James Edward Hanson departed this earthly life suddenly, Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, IL. He was born August 3, 1939 in Camden, Arkansas, the sixth child of Odessa and Pleas Hanson, Sr. Attended public schools in Stephens, AR. Veteran of the United States Army, member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. James married his wife, Mattie Cooper, on February 10, 1962. He was a man of strength, courage, hard worker, steadfastness and very productive. Known as “Billy Joe” and also the patriarch of the Hanson family. Employed at Gunite for 42 years. After retirement, he started exercising, walking numerous miles every morning, managing his rental property and going to visit family sick in the hospital or nursing home.
James leaves to cherish many loving memories, his devoted wife, Mattie; grandson, Jerry Murphy; son-in-law, Darcy Allen; brothers, Earnest (Clarice) Hanson, Donald (Alice) Hanson, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Angela Allen; sisters, Gertrude Flowers, Bessie Gibson, Sarah Johnson, Earnestine Hanson, brothers, Pleas Jr., Herman and Charles Hanson.
A special thank you to OSF St. Anthony Medical Staff and the city of Rockford Paramedics.
A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 13, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2505 School St, Rockford, IL 61101. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To share a condolence, please visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.
