James Michael "Jim" Hansen

James Hansen

James Michael "Jim" Hansen passed away on April 28, 2025, in his family home in Watkinsville, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born Sept. 25, 1935, in Brunswick, to James Oliver and Gladys (Beard) Hansen, along with his twin sister, Patricia Ann. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 63 years; two sons, Paul (Joy) and Jon (Lisa); three grandsons, Christopher, Ian and Jack; his brother-in-law Ed Orser; and nephews, Jim and Luke Orser-Schwalm.

Jim and Carolyn wed on June 28, 1961, in Brunswick at First Baptist Church. He was a wonderful husband and father, quick with a joke or a story or just a sympathetic ear. He served in the United States Air Force for three years after completing ROTC at Baylor, attaining the rank of Captain. He was a graduate of Glynn Academy, Baylor University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Georgia, with degrees in history, education and counseling.

Jim worked for 30 years as a social worker for the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, retiring in 2000. Prior to that, he was a director of education at three different churches in the southeast. For 50 years, Jim was a devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Athens. He sang with the Friendship Community Choir, and played as a member of the Athens Recorder Ensemble. His love of travel took him to most of the 50 states, Europe and Australia. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs, the Atlanta Braves, photography and spending time with his grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 14, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Athens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, or to their favorite charity in Jim's name.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, May 9, 2025