Jim Pratt Hansen

Jim Pratt Hansen passed peacefully on April 27, 2017, reuniting with his mom and dad. He was born on June 15, 1934 in Rupert, Idaho, to Esmore Tanner Hansen and Vada Lavon Hansen. Jim's two loving younger sisters are Jari Davis and Jo Jean Loflin. This is the framework of Jim's everlasting family.

Much of Jim's childhood was spent in the neighborhood on the hills west of the University of Utah. There he was a scout, a deacon, and a teacher. He was a spirited friend, brother and son.

Jim, Jari and Jo Jean lost their mom to cancer in spring 1949. Four months later they lost their father, his heart physically failing him. These children were moved to stay with family in Southern California. They were split apart because of resource limitations. But then and ever after, they have been together; united in grief, love and hope.

Living with cousins Gordon, Noel and Judy, who became brothers and sister to him, Jim graduated from Corona High School. Together with his cousin Noel, Jim returned to Utah, leather jacket in hand, to attend BYU. There, he met a girl from Idaho. Elaine Nichols and Jim were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 25, 1955.

With graduation from the Y, Jim and his wife moved back to California. There, he attended graduate school at Claremont College. In 1956 Pam, the first of Jim and Elaine's children, was born. Then came Marci in 1958. This young family moved back to Salt Lake in 1961. Then came Scott (1969) and Mindi (1971).

With his kids Jim hiked, fished, camped, skied, played tennis, basketball, but never golf. Jim loved a good run, and a good walk. But golf would have spoiled the walk. Jim sang and read poetry to his kids. He lived a life of the mind. He read widely and deeply. He revered family. He questioned authority of any sort with a charming obnoxiousness unique to humankind.

Jim, shaped early by family tragedy, was a fountain of cheer to all. Generations of children love him. Animals have always been drawn to him. His peers argued with him. Endlessly. There was true joy in knowing him.

He is gone but always with us. Jim is survived by his wife, children and their amazing spouses, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his loving sisters.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. this Wednesday, May 3 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.

In lieu of flowers, fight for our national monuments and public lands.