James Hanson

Major James David Hanson, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, beloved husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2024, at the age of 82 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Born on November 16, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jim was the only child of Betty Busenbark and Morris Frank Hanson but shared close bonds with his many cousins. His maternal grandparents nurtured his faith, taking him to the Methodist Church. His paternal grandparents introduced him to the joys of fishing and swimming at their home on Clear Lake, Iowa.

A natural athlete, Jim lettered in swimming and track at East High School in Des Moines, Iowa. He enjoyed hunting pheasants and gained an early sense of responsibility working at a men’s clothing store before graduating in 1959.

Jim joined the U.S. Army embarking on a distinguished military career. As a Green Beret with the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany from 1963 to 1966, he demonstrated skill and bravery, mastering parachuting and leadership. During this time, he married Marylin Crandall, his steadfast partner in life and love.

Commissioned as an officer in 1967 after graduating from Officer Candidate School, Jim went on to serve two tours in Vietnam as a Field Artillery Officer and Helicopter Pilot. His valor and exemplary leadership earned him medals including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.

Jim’s service took him and his family across the world, with important assignments at Fort Campbell, Fort Sill, and Stuttgart, Germany. His final active duty station at Fort Lewis, Washington, brought him to Olympia, where he and Marylin embraced the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

As an avid boater and fisherman, he enjoyed the local waters. Jim and Marylin created strong bonds with their community. With their dear neighbors of 45 years, the Freshleys, they shared a love of foraging food: clam digging, mushroom hunting, oyster shucking and gardening. They attended the Methodist church and Marylin attended Bible Study Fellowship.

After retiring from the Army in 1984, Jim began with the Department of Licensing. He served for multiple departments but really enjoyed his role as the Administrative Secretary for the Washington State Board for Architects. In 1989, Jim began teaching boater education through the United States Power Squadron. Jim had many different jobs while in USPS such as Squadron Flag Officer, Port Captain, and Assistant Education Officer. He also served with District 16 as District Flag Officer and District Chaplain. He earned the Stanley Gruessing Education Achievement Award in 1992, was awarded the National Life Saving Award for rescuing a couple of boys off some rocks during a rising tide and was a Life Member (35 years and 33 service merit marks).

In 1999, Jim began volunteering with the Olympia Police Department Harbor Patrol, spending hours on the waters of Budd Inlet. While on call, his team rescued stranded people. He contributed to the safety and enjoyment of Budd Bay by assisting the DNR with removing derelict boats and installing slow wake buoys marking the channel into the Bay. While on call, his team rescued stranded people. In 2001, he was recognized as the City of Olympia Volunteer of the Year. As a Commander, he continued serving until 2011.

Above all, Jim was a family man. Married to Marylin for 58 years, he delighted in their shared adventures and the joy of raising their daughters, Michelle and Kathy. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters, attending their events, passing on his wisdom and telling stories. At the hospital he shared of times God saved him: persevering Vietnam, surviving a Budd Inlet boating accident, and battling cancer surgery.

He is survived by his wife, Marylin Hanson; daughters Michelle (Mark) Nicholson and Kathy (Robert) Kelly; grandchildren Matt Nicholson, Kathryn (Cory) Schalk, Abby Nicholson, Miles Kelly, and Josie Kelly; and great-granddaughters June and Penny Schalk.

A memorial service will be held on January 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Olympia, Washington.

Major Hanson was a hero, a leader, and an unwavering pillar of strength and love. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.