Rev. James F. Hanke Jr.

Rev. James F. Hanke Jr. passed away on Saturday, July 19 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. An informal visitation will be held on Friday, August 1 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm at Red Cedar Lodge, Wanatee Park, Marion, Iowa. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 2 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids with a fellowship time to follow. The service will be live streamed on the church's YouTube page. You can find the page by searching YouTube for "St Paul's UMC CR."
Jim was born on October 4, 1946 in Webster City, Iowa the son of Marion (Carden) Hanke and James F. Hanke Sr. He graduated from Webster City High School in 1965 and Morningside College in 1969. He earned his Master's in Divinity from Iliff School of Theology in 1972.
Following graduation, Jim was ordained by the United Methodist Church and began his dedicated service in Arlington and Volga, Iowa and later served churches in Dike, Manchester, and Waterloo before joining the cabinet as a District Superintendent first for the Sioux City District and then the Cedar Rapids and East Central Districts until his retirement in 2009.
In 1970, James married Miriam Balliet, and for 55 years Mim and Jim built a life beyond measure. Their three children, Eran, Dara, and Nathan made their immediate family complete, but Jim considered many of his closest friends and neighbors as family. He maintained lifelong relationships with people and showed fierce loyalty. Whether making maple syrup, riding his Doodle Bug, off-roading in his Jeep, serving pie at the Youngville Cafe, cruising in some new(ish) vehicle he had picked up, or sailing, Jim was always making new friends and cherishing the old.
Jim was a consummate storyteller and could make anyone laugh. Always a child at heart, he never lost the twinkle in his eye or the urge to stir up a little trouble. All fine qualities he shared with his beloved grandchildren Elliot, Hugo, Nora, Evan, and Preston. Grandpa always had some new "skill" to teach, and was often heard reminding their parents it was what they deserved.
Jim spent his final days reminiscing and telling stories about all those in his web of connections that meant so much to him. He asked us to tell each of you thank you. It was one heck of a ride.
Jim is survived by his wife Miriam; his daughter Eran Hanke; his daughter Dara (Brandon) Schmidt; his son Nathan (Elaine) Hanke; his grandchildren Elliot, Hugo and Nora Schmidt and Evan and Preston Hanke; his chosen family Becki Elkins and her sons Lukas and Jackson; Bethany (Jason) Schmidt Self; his lifelong friends Arden Jasper, Darle Elkins, Dale Gentry and many others he met along the path.
He is also survived by his cousin Bob (Sondra) Carden; his cousin Dean (Jan) Carden; his cousin Diane (Denny) Richardson; and many nieces and nephews including Christine (Greg) Thompson, Bill Hanke, Bruce Hanke, Linda (Wedge) Shillington, Meg Hanke, Molly (Jeremy) Clampitt, Christopher Hanke, and Katie (Chad) Fenn, and a myriad of caring in-laws on Miriam's side. He was preceded in death by his parents Marion and James Hanke Sr.; his brother and sister-in-law Bill and Mary Hanke; and his niece Lisa Clark and her spouse Kenny.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Heifer Project, the National Parks Foundation, or a charity of your choice.