James Clyde "J. C., or Jay" Hanks

James Clyde Hanks passed away on October 24th, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 84.

J. C., or Jay as he was more commonly known, was born June 21st, 1941 in Crowley, Louisiana, the fifth child of Joseph and Etta Hanks. He spent his youth living in various small towns in southern Louisiana's Acadiana region, where he spoke fluent Cajun French as a child.

Jay married Nancy James on June 25th, 1961 in Amarillo, Texas. They had three children, James Christopher (1962), Michael Blaine (1967), and Danna Carole (1976). Over the years, they made their homes in Clovis, New Mexico, Amarillo, Texas, Oak Park and Oglesby, Oklahoma, and Caney and Havana, Kansas. After Nancy passed away in 2010, Jay returned to Crowley to be near his remaining siblings and enjoy life in his beloved Cajun country.

Jay was a hard worker who started a lawn mowing service when he was 12, and he worked a variety of jobs (often 2 jobs at a time), until his retirement in 1999. Former employers included United Linen, Jane Phillips Medical Center, TRW/Reda Pump, and Phillips Petroleum, all of Bartlesville, OK. He learned many different skills which came in handy working around his farm, home and his kids' homes. He spent many years raising cattle and working on his land. He enjoyed gardening, doing projects, and he made incredible smoked meats. His greatest joy was his family and spending time with his grandkids.

Jay is survived by his 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, two brothers and his wife of almost 49 years.

An informal graveside memorial will be held at a later date next year at Oglesby Cemetery in Oglesby, Oklahoma.