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James Wade Hannon
James Wade Hannon
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James Wade Hannon Obituary
Wade was a lifelong socialist and fierce fighter of working people. He was a member of a number of Unions including: Industrial Workers of the World, SEIU, AFT-CIO, and Teamsters. As a political organizer, outspoken champion of women's rights, and supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community, Wade felt deeply about the causes dear to his heart and worked tirelessly to fight against tyranny.
Wade grew up in Edna, KS where he developed a love of music, reading, and rabble rousing. He attended Labette County Community College, Pittsburgh State, and finally received his EdD in counselor education from University of Arkansas in 1984. He then moved to Kansas City, Missouri and had his first child, Carmen. Wade's career took him many places and he eventually landed in Fargo, ND where he was a professor and had his second child, Adam. Wade retired from North Dakota State University in 2010 and lived in Chicago briefly before settling in Tahlequah, OK and started the last chapters of his life-as an artist and a grandfather. He was a lifelong artist and celebrated freedom from selling his labor by creating art. His first granddaughter Rowan was born in 2020, shortly followed by a second granddaughter Juniper with whom he shares a birthday. The light in Wades eyes shined the brightest when he was talking about, to, or playing with his granddaughters. His love for them was immeasurable.
Wade is preceded in death by his father James Leonard and mother Virginia. Wade left behind his daughter, Carmen, Carmen's daughters Rowan and Juniper, his son Adam, and his brother Justin. He also has left countless nieces, nephews, and friends that loved him just as he lived--larger than life.
The funeral will be held July 10, at 10:00 am at Fairlawn Cemetary in Talala, OK. Celebration of life and luncheon to follow at the Talala American Legion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Alexander Berkman
August 18, 2024
I was in the Industrial Workers of the World-Chicago with Wade and recall him fondly as an elder organizer with sage advice and experience to share with younger people who were entering the workforce and getting started in their organizing journey and honing their skills. May he rest in peace. Presenté!
Cayla Beatty
July 10, 2024
I grew up with Wade and his family. I laugh cause he always called his Dad Ole Big Jim. We shared alot of laughs in that big house. I ran into him a few years back in Tahlequah and he never changed. Sorry for your loss he was one of a kind but always seemed like a big brother to me.
Jennifer Reid
July 8, 2024
I met Wade as a graduate student. He treated us with respect and we always felt heard. I will forever drizzle fruit salad with the tiniest bit of honey, because Wade taught that trock. He grilled an amazing steak and remembered my birthday!
Dottie Morgan
July 2, 2024
Wade would regularly read poetry at the community meetings for the person-centered approach and they would inevitably include vivid cursing (which I loved). I would watch Nat Naskin, who would flinch each time Wade cursed. I am still in shock over his departure.
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Anna Andrianova
July 2, 2024
Hello, dear family of Wade, my name is Anna. I've met Wade at PCA 2010 conference in Zvenigorod where I worked when I was student as translator and assistant to foreign guests. He called me and othe assistant, Pauline, his Russian daughters and helped us a lot with our work and shared wise thoughts I appreciate ever since. I will always remember Wade as bright, kind, smart and generous person, on of the most extraordinary people I've ever known. I was really devastated to know he passed away, please, accept my deepest condolences
Rita Adams
July 1, 2024
Wade was a great member of the music department at Labette County High School in Altamont KS. I was fortunate to keep in touch with him most of the time he was in Fargo. His roots always made him proud, but his love for his family was immense. A good man gone too soon. Rita Adams
Jeff Cochran
July 1, 2024
We will all miss Wade greatly. He was such a strong person, exemplary. I wish you the very best through the very difficult times of missing him. Jeff Cochran (from ADPCA)
Grace Harlow Klein
June 30, 2024
In a meeting at Warm Springs, Wade shared his vision for creating a person-centered press. I asked him if he would consider publishing poetry and he answered yes. That began the process of publishing my book of poetry, Loss: A Personal Journey of Empowerment published by the Person Centered Press
facilitated by Wade. As it turned out, I think it was the only book published by the press, but I was grateful to Wade for his work to make that happen.
Wade was an amazingly gifted, caring person, always advocating for others to have what was needed. I am sorry to learn of his death and send condolences to his family and those in the peson-centered community who loved him. Grace Harlow Klein
Amanda Goldman
June 30, 2024
Amanda Goldman
June 30, 2024
Amanda Goldman
June 30, 2024
Amanda Goldman
June 30, 2024
Amanda Goldman
June 30, 2024
Amanda Goldman
June 30, 2024
I met Wade with Adam maybe 30 years ago when I was new to the person-centered community. He went out of his way to make me - and others - feel welcome & included. We're all just in shock & can't even fathom this loss.
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