James Hanson

James Hanson

James Marsh "Jim" Hanson, 84, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham.

Born June 3, 1941, in Augusta, Maine, Jim was the son of the late Elliott Campbell Hanson and Margarey Brown Hanson. He graduated from Morse High School in Bath, Maine, and later from the University of Maine, where he served as class president. He spent forty years with the Norton Company, beginning in sales and rising through the organization until he became National Director of Sales. His career was marked by loyalty, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the colleagues who became lifelong friends.

Jim lived a life filled with joy, humor, connection, and a genuine curiosity about people. An incredible golfer throughout his entire adult life, he traveled widely for the game he loved, especially to Scotland, which became a favorite destination. He played courses across the country and treasured every trip. Adventures to Italy and Hawaii were also among his greatest memories. Those who knew him often said they felt lucky just to be in his presence. His laughter tended to arrive before he did, and his boisterous personality made every room warmer. To his closest friends he was "Hammer," a nickname worn with pride and affection for decades.

He fell in love with his wife, Joan, on the first day of college and never let go. He was devoted to her in every way, steady and constant, her greatest champion through sixty-two years of marriage.

Jim never met a stranger. He loved other people's stories, asked real questions, and made new friends everywhere he went. He stayed deeply involved in every community he lived in, including serving as president of his homeowners association. He kept friendships for life, nurturing each one with phone calls, cards, visits, and his legendary five o'clock cocktail hour. A true vodka connoisseur, he hosted with effortless charm and an expert pour.

Family was the center of his world. He adored his children and took special pride in being the most caring and generous grandfather. He cherished his sisters, his brother, and his parents, and he honored his Maine roots with traditions he carried faithfully into every generation. He was the master of the lobster and clam bake, a whiz in the kitchen, and the loudest, happiest presence at every gathering.

Jim is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Joan Marshall Hanson of the home; two daughters, Christina Hanson of Somerville, MA, and Joanna Hanson Kirkland and husband Scott of Greensboro; and a son, James "Marsh" Hanson Jr. and husband Jason D. Wilson of West Orange, NJ. He was a devoted grandfather to Elliott Marshall Kirkland, Campbell Leigh Kirkland, Davis Wilson Hanson, and Cate Janet Hanson.

He is also survived by four sisters, Peggy Carmichael of Bucksport, Maine, Pamelia Barry of Cumberland, Maine, and Cynthia Loomis and Deborah Roux, both of Yarmouth, Maine. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Graeme Hanson.

No services are scheduled at this time. A family gathering to honor his life will be planned at a later date.

Online condolences can be made at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Arrangements by Cumby Family Funeral Service, High Point.