James A. "JiM" Hanson

1935 - 2025

James "Jim" A. Hanson Jr., 90

On Friday, October 10, 2025, Jimmie Hanson, age 90, passed away at Logan Health Medical Center from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Whitefish, Montana.

James Alexander Hanson Jr. was born February 18, 1935, to James Sr. and Veronica C. Hanson. He grew up on the family farm in the Stillwater community northwest of Kalispell, along with his sister Shirlee and brother Conrad Arthur.

The family attended Stillwater Lutheran Church, where Jimmie was baptized and confirmed. He attended grade school at a one-room schoolhouse called Sparks School, which he had only three classmates. It was a half mile walk from home to school.

According to family and friends, Jimmie spent his preschool days safely exploring the farmyard with his loyal pet pig, Pearl. Pearl was more than just a pet-she was his companion and guardian, even napping and playing in the mud with him.

From a young age, Jimmie enjoyed working and finding ways to earn money. His love for animals, especially pigs, led him into 4-H and FFA. He attended Flathead County High School and, with the support of Henry Robinson and his dad, farmed the FFA farm south of Kalispell. This gave him hands-on experience with modern farming practices. During high school, he was chosen to attend the National FFA Convention and graduated with the class of 1953.

After graduation, he worked in logging with his dad and Lyman Claridge. When the Vietnam conflict began, Jimmie was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Lewis in Washington to train as a tank commander. Known for his work ethic and resourcefulness, he also picked up barbering while in the service. He was honorably discharged in 1963 and returned to Kalispell and to logging.

He met the love of his life, Ilene Hinerman, on the shores of Flathead Lake, they were married in Idaho in 1962. In 1966, they welcomed their daughter La Mona. In the mid-1970s, Jimmie and Ilene purchased the old Norton place on KM Ranch Road, where he transitioned from logging to full-time farming. In 2005, he expanded his operation by purchasing a dryland wheat farm in eastern Montana.

Over the years, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards, snowmobiling, dancing, and supporting La Mona in her activities.

Jimmie was preceded in death by parents, James and Veronica; wife Ilene daughter La Mona, brother, Art; and niece, Lorraine. He is survived by his sister Shirlee, along with several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to your local FFA chapter, 4-H program, or veterans' pantry-causes close to Jimmie's heart.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.