James Michael Hanley

James Michael Hanley, known affectionately as Jim to his friends and family, was a man of character and love to all who knew him. Born on September 14, 1948, in Santa Monica, California, Jim's journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on May 14, 2024, in Orange, California. His life was one marked by courage, service, and a profound dedication to his family, community, and church.
Jim's early life was filled with the spirit of adventure and a sense of duty that led him to join the Navy at the age of 19. Embodying the very essence of bravery as he worked tirelessly on the flight deck during his four years of service, Jim completed two tours in Vietnam aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea. He rose to the rank of Petty Officer and was the linchpin that ensured the safety and readiness of his team, an experience that ultimately shaped his character and fortitude for the years to come.
After his honorable discharge, Jim's path took a serendipitous turn when he found himself working as the Front Office Manager at the Queen Mary Hotel. It was there that he met the love of his life, Pamela Sue Hanley, and together they embarked on a lifelong journey of partnership and love. Jim's passion for history and his desire to make a meaningful impact led him to follow Pam into the world of education where he became a beloved high school history teacher with a career that spanned 30 years. His innovative teaching methods, which included interactive games and mock trials of historic events, ignited the minds of his students and earned him the respect and admiration of the countless individuals whose lives he touched.
A man of many talents, Jim was also a spirited coach who guided and mentored young athletes in soccer and in both girls' softball and boys' baseball at the high school and little league levels. His love for these games and his commitment to the development of young people were evident in every play and in every life lesson he imparted on and off the field. His love of baseball also led him to become a season ticket holder to the Angels, which allowed him to share his love of baseball and sports with family and friends. During the baseball offseason, Jim could be found cheering on USC and the Rams football teams. He also could be found lifting weights and running the treadmill daily from his 30s and on into his early 70s. How else would he be able to devour his almost daily dose of ice cream and the occasional burger?
His retirement years were filled with travel and exploration until Alzheimer's presented a new challenge. As this disease progressed, Jim also endured the struggles that accompany a Parkinson's diagnosis. His spirit remained unbroken, and he was thus able to maintain an unwavering love for sweets and hamburgers as well as an enjoyment of lively conversations, sarcastic jokes, and playful games.
Jim was a man who understood more than mere words could express, and his physical decline never overshadowed the brilliance of his mind and the depth of his heart. He was faith filled, handy, and incredibly loving-a true testament to the power of a life well lived.
Jim's legacy is carried on by his devoted wife, Pam; his loving sons Joshua (and husband Steven) and Matthew; his steadfast brothers Robert (and wife Donna) and Jack; his caring sister Mary Ann; and a close-knit family that includes his brother-in-law Steve (and wife Nancy), sister-in-law MaryBeth (and husband John), and his cherished mother-in-law, Catherine Lines. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Judith. His memory will continue to be celebrated by all those who were blessed to know him.
We celebrate Jim Hanley, a man whose story does not end with his passing but instead continues in the lives he has shaped and the love he has shared. His was a life that exemplified the very best of the human spirit, and his legacy will endure forever in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Jim, your journey was a gift to us all, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
Immediately following the Celebration of Life, friends and family are invited to a reception at the family home.
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