Jim Hansen

Jim Hansen, 90

James "Jim" Hansen died peacefully at his home in Bigfork, MT on October 21st with his wife and Hospice at his side.

Jim Hansen was born in Williston, ND on May 20, 1935. His parents, Carl Oliver Hansen and Bernice Mae (Cramer) Hansen, raised the family in Poplar, MT where his father was a record-breaking high school sports coach before transitioning to the field of insurance. Jim was the third of four children and eight years old when his father died of a heart attack. In his youth, he played football, basketball, and baseball and established a strong work ethic delivering newspapers and working on local farms and oil fields.

Influenced by his brother-in-law's work in geology, Jim earned a BS and MS in Geology at the University of Oklahoma from 1953-1960. He lived with his sister and brother-in-law some of those years, was a graduate assistant, and joined ROTC for financial assistance before starting work with Mobil Oil after graduation.

Jim spent the next four years conducting mostly geological field work in Turkey and Nigeria before pursuing his interest in management. He returned to school in 1965 to earn his MBA at Stanford University while maintaining employment with Mobil. During his first year of school, he met Liz Pestka, another Montanan who was a nurse at Stanford Hospital. He married Liz a year later and began his career as a financial planner upon his return to Mobil Oil.

After 27 years with Mobil, Jim transitioned to commercial real estate. He earned his CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) and became co-owner of his company in Westport, CT. The new career provided the benefits of a shorter commute, going home for lunch, and the ability to become a Rotarian while his kids were still in school.

Jim fully retired in 1999. He and Liz spent four years in Florida before returning to their home state of Montana, settling in Bigfork. They generally made one big trip per year to see the world and spent winters skiing in Colorado until Jim's back surgery suggested golfing in the Palm Springs area was a better fit.

He is predeceased by his parents, brother Kenny, and sister Merilyn Ballard. The surviving family includes his wife Liz and his three kids, Kenny Hansen (Christina), Natalie Bassano (John), and Eric Hansen including grandchildren Erin Bassano, TJ Bassano, Parker Hansen, and Olive Hansen. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Dallas.

Family extends heartfelt gratitude to friends and caregivers of Enhabit Hospice, who offered support and kindness during Jim's illness.

Jim was cremated in accordance with his wishes, and his ashes will be spread in a place deeply meaningful to the family in a private ceremony to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Enhabit Hospice, 42 Bruyer Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.