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James Hansen Obituary
Hansen, M.D.
June 19th, 1924 - May 8th, 2013
Resident of Burlingame, California
Jim Hansen passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2013 surrounded by his wife of nearly 40 years, Gayle and his four children.
Jim was born to Samuel and Marguerite Hansen on June 19th, 1924 in Lockeford, California. The family moved to Berkeley, where Jim graduated in 1942 from Berkeley High School. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet.
He served two years as a B-17 Instructor Pilot. Upon completion of service duty, he attended UC Berkeley for one year prior to transferring to Stanford University. In 1948, he received BA Degree, followed in 1952 with his Doctor of Medicine Degree. Jim served his residency at Highland Hospital, Oakland, CA. He began his career in private practice as a General Surgeon with Dr.s George Laird and Eldred Barnes. Jim maintained surgical privileges at both Peninsula Medical Center and Mills Memorial Hospitals. In addition, he was indeed proud to volunteer as a surgeon aboard the
Hospital ship USS Hope, treating people in need in Peru. During his 41 year career, Jim served as President of the San Mateo County Medical Society, Chief of Staff at Peninsula Hospital and was a member of the S.F. Surgical Society.
Jim was active in many sports: golf, skiing, snow-shoeing, fishing, sailing and tennis. As an avid golf player, Jim's membership in the California Golf Club was very special, forming many lasting friendships. Occasionally, Jim enjoyed a game of dominos, poker or bridge. Jim cheered-on his local favorite teams, The San Francisco 49'ers and the San Francisco Giants! He had appreciation for the Pastors and friends within the First Presbyterian Church. Jim loved life!
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Samuel Hansen and sister, Yvonne Young. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle, his four children, Patrice Hansen-Fracchia, Steve Hansen, Kimberley Hudson (Russell), Kirk Hansen, step-daughters Lisa Baca (Hugh), Lauren Scherer (John), his two granddaughters, Kelley Fracchia , Laura Fracchia and step-grandson Michael Baca.
A memorial service will be held in honor of Jim's life on Saturday, May 18th at 11:30am, The First Presbyterian Church, 1500 Easton Drive, Burlingame.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either First Presbyterian Church, 1500 Easton Drive, Burlingame or the Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 1501 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, California 94010, in memory of James Reilly Hansen, M.D.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hansen
David Luddy
July 24, 2024
Mother was a medical secretary for Dr. Hansen from 1958 to 1984. I had been his patient several times. Dr.Hansen was not only a terrific Surgeon but a very understanding "friend". I was very fortunate to have he and his wife attend my wedding
In 1974. The world has lost a true gentleman. My thoughts are with you.
David Luddy
Chris Klevesahl
August 9, 2023
I don´t know why I was thinking about Dr Hansen other than my mother Frieda Klevesahl used to provide accounting services for him.
Dr Hansen performed many surgeries on both my mother and dad until they both passes of their illness.
Also Dr Hansen did a skin craft on me when I was 18. To this day every time I look at that skin craft I think of Dr Hansen.
Just to let you know I thought the world of him.
Chris Klevesahl
Gayle Hansen (Widow)
June 8, 2022
Jim is missed as much or even more than ever. I do find comfort in knowing he is not suffering, but safe and well again. I hang on to fabulous memories of joy, happiness, and love everafter. We were thankful for each other!
May 20, 2013
Gayle & family, I had the privilage & honor to work fresh out of nursing school for Dr. Hansen & then in the OR at Peninsula Hospital. What a gentile, kind, caring, & empathetic man Dr. Hansen was. And so respected as a surgeon. He will be truly missed and I feel so blessed to have know him. May all your wonderful memories be your strength!
Always,
Nancy
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May 18, 2013
Dr. Hansen was my physician when I was very young and had been seriously injured. I have always remembered how very kind he was. I feel fortunate to have known him. I send sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Toni Avila
karen patitucci
May 16, 2013
Our hearts are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Our prayers to you and yours.
love
karen (hansen) Patitucci
May 16, 2013
Our hearts our sad to hear Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
karen(hansen) patitucci
Lori Madsen
May 16, 2013
I was privileged to be a nurse on the medical surgical floor in the 1970s and appreciated that his handwriting would be legible and I could carry out orders swiftly. He was always a gentleman to the nurses. Wish more doctors now were like him.
Tony Gonzales
May 16, 2013
Kirk,Steve,and Hansen Family. It was an honor to have met Jim. Great memories at the Cal Club.
May 15, 2013
The finest definition of a "gentle man".
Gayle and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Jan Abrams
Dona & Jack Morley
May 15, 2013
The world will truly miss a true gentleman and surgeon. A friend to many including us! Dona & Jack Morley
Randi Reynolds
May 14, 2013
I was privileged to work with Jim in his San Bruno office on Sneath Lane. His easy and caring manner endeared him in the eyes of many of his patients. I was proud to be a part of his team. The world is a little sadder place at the loss of this gentle man.
Stephen Lamb
May 11, 2013
Dear Gayle and Family,
Jim was a real gentleman and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Chip and Mary Lange
May 11, 2013
Another light has gone out in the Thursday lunch group. Our thoughts and are with Gayle and the rest of the family.
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