James K Hancock

James Hancock, 82, a true Tennessee Gentleman, left us behind on July 12, 2014, leaving loving partner, Vera, son, John Carmody (Colleen), 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brothers, Mike (Wanda), Jerry (Ember) and sister, Cathy (Chris) and the new family he gained with his loving, and gracious partner, Vera.

Jim was not a perfect man but was as close to perfection as you would ever want to meet. He spoke often and with pride of his 20 years of service in the United States Navy as a Master Chief Flight Engineer. Jim also found great success and satisfaction in a 27 year career with the Boeing Company in his second love, electronics. Most of all, he spoke often and lovingly of his family -- his deceased wife, Judy, his Tennessee and Virginia relatives, and his sons, John, Larry, and Robert. His laughter was inspiring and contagious and always from the heart. You never had to guess what Jim was thinking, because he would tell you with great enthusiasm at the least invitation.

His final years were filled with love and passion. He was a neighbor to Vera, who found in Jim a loving true angel during the darkest days of her life. Jim opened his heart to her and showed her life is always worth living, even in the most trying of times. Because of Jim, two people who may have ended their lives alone found each other and shared loved again. He always said, Vera, together we can do anything, and together they found companionship, support and unconditional love.

If you needed a hand up, his strong hands were there to lift you. If you needed someone to listen, his quiet eyes would let you know he was listening. If you needed conversation, well, let's just hope you had several hours, something cold to drink and a comfortable chair. Jim would not let anyone define him by his time on earth. His eyes were always drawn to the stars and moon. Jim knew his real home was in stardust, soft moon light and the smell of early morning dew. We know Jim is on Mt. Rainier with a good book in his hands, stopping only for a moment to regale any who pause near him to uplift, edify and encourage them with a story from his gifted 82 years.

Most of all, Jim was an honest, loyal and loving man with a heart as big as the universe. As we said our final goodbyes, his eyes were bright, his wink clear and true. It was time to continue his journey -- one that he had all but perfected here. You may never have met Jim Hancock, but his memory will live on in blessed memories, good deeds, honest and loving communication and a firm commitment to remember, always, you are but a moment in time and tomorrow is promised to no one. Make the most of now.

Jim would have liked this poem to share as a final thought:

For Katrins's Sun Dial

Time is too slow for those that wait,

Too swift for those that fear,

Too long for those that grieve,

Too short for those who rejoice,

But for those who love, time is Eternity.

Henry Van Dyke