Judge James A. Hanson

1934 - 2018

BORN

1934

DIED

2018

About

University of North Dakota

James Hanson Obituary

The Honorable James A. Hanson, retired Alaska Superior Court Judge, died on Dec. 21, 2018, in Phoenix, Ariz., from complications after a heart procedure. The Judge, as he was widely known, was born in 1934, in Northwood, N.D., the oldest child of Arnold and Jennie Hanson, big brother to Carolyn (Gadberry), Jeanette (Rau) and Ruth (Stefonowicz). A 1952 graduate of Fargo Central High School, he joined the Navy, serving in Florida and South Carolina during the Korean Conflict. Following his Naval service, he returned to school at University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He graduated from law school in 1962, and arrived in Alaska that same year, working as a law clerk in Juneau before being appointed to the District Court in Anchorage in 1963. Appointed to the Superior Court in Kenai in 1970, he raised his family there with his wife, Mary, and was a widely respected and active community member.
He was instrumental in developing the youth hockey program on the peninsula, and coached youth hockey and little league. Jim was a skilled pilot and shared many adventures with his family and friends. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Kenai, where he sang in the choir.
He retired in 1986, but continued to use his legal expertise in private dispute resolution.
He and Mary moved to Anchorage in 1990, where he continued his business, and they became snowbirds to Payson, Ariz., exchanging winter for sunshine. In Arizona, he was an ardent trap and skeet shooter with the Birdbusters of Payson. In 2005, they left Alaska and moved to Glide, Ore., where he realized a life-long dream of owning a small ranch, then to Roseburg, Ore., in 2018.
Jim was a tough but compassionate man who offered advice based on his convictions and was a counselor to many. He will be greatly missed.
Jim was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Charli; and his sister, Jeanette. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Robert Hanson and Jake Glotfelty (Beth); and his daughters, Laura Irby (Sherman), Greta Horn (Casey) and Heidi Conway (Patrick); 12 grandchildren; and his lifelong friend, Bruce Leverson (Kay).
May he Rest In Peace.

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Published by Anchorage Daily News on Jan. 6, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hanson

4 Entries

John Dillard

August 17, 2022

Dear Mary and family,

I was saddened to read that Judge Hanson passed away and apologize for not knowing earlier and sharing my condolences. Jim was a wonderful man and a good friend to my dad. I´ll leave my email address and would love to connect some time.

John Dillard
Camas, WA (but born in Fargo!).

Kirk Deluca

August 27, 2021

Have fond memories of Judge Hanson. Going back 44 years ago living in Soldotna got a ticket for my dog running loose through town. Dog catcher never caught my dog so I fought it. Had a jury trial so I asked Catcher if he brought the dog to my home or the dog pound he said "no sir" then Asked him "how do you know it was my dog?" He says "because I caught him before" " Yes but you never gave me a ticket before, right"? He said "no , because someone broke him out"! Long story short jury went out came back 10 minutes later all smiles Judge Hanson said "Not Guilty" and I saved $25 bucks ! Judge Hanson congratulated me and sad that I did a great job. One more story , my brother Peter had a driving record longer than any other driver for years in the State , a couple of accidents but mostly speeding and Judge Hanson knew my brother very well.
One night while driving to Anchorage from Sterling Peter was up pass Steward cut-off on a straight away when he saw a car broke down and it´s in the middle of a white out , snow drifts everywhere. So Peter pulls up and asks the man if he needs help and to Peter´s surprise it´s Judge Hanson, broke down.
Make a long story short Peter is in court 6-7 months later and Peter is in a tough spot. After the hearing Judge Hanson said " this man has great character is a sincere man and for this person who pulled over one snowy night to help his fellow man I say Peter Deluca can go home , not guilty" True stories that never go away , Judge Hanson a true gentleman. Picture shows my Malamute, "Puppy" was her name.

January 5, 2019

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of your dear love one may God give you strength to endure this most difficult time of your life please read John 6:40

January 3, 2019

My family and I send our heartfelt condolences for your loss. As you endure this difficult time of sorrow, please turn to the Most High God for strength and comfort as his word assures us at 1 Peter 5:6,7 "he cares for you."

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