Jim was born January 7, 1945 in Pottstown, PA, the only son of James A. Hanebury, Sr. and Alice Miriam Hodge Hanebury. He is survived by his wife, Laura, three children, Eric Hanebury, Sara Hanebury Brecke, and Laura Hanebury Dolka and stepson, John Poveromo. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Elijah Hanebury, Gavin Dolka, Kaelyn Dolka, Taryn Dolka, Devin Dolka, and Ryann Dolka. Jim is also survived by his younger sister, Mary Alice (Anne) Hanebury Williamson and was preceded in death by his older sister, Jean M. Hanebury.
A 1964 graduate of Spring-Ford Senior High School, Jim grew up in Limerick Township, PA, where he played football and was known for his quick wit, strong work ethic, and his loyalty to friends and family. He grew up active in the St. James United Church of Christ in Limerick, an experience he carried with him throughout life.
In August of 1964, Jim volunteered for the United States Army. Serving as a Military Policeman, he saw duty after training at Fort Gordon, GA, in Munich, Germany before volunteering for a tour in Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Division. He then served three additional tours in Germany, including a tour on the East-West German border processing Russian Officers crossing East to West. He also had tours in Philadelphia, PA, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD and Fort Devens, MA. SFC Hanebury’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (1st OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), Vietnam Campaign Medal (2nd Award), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Overseas Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), and other professional development awards and decorations.
Graduating from the New Jersey State Police Academy in 1988, he joined the NJ State Park Service. In 1996 he was selected to be Chief Ranger of Island Beach State Park. In 2006, he was appointed as a Lieutenant with the State Park Police, and advanced to Chief of the State Park Police in 2007, ultimately retiring in 2009.
He was a proud member of American Legion Post 129, located in Toms River, NJ. Jim was a Past Master with the Masonic Pyramid Lodge #9, and a member of the Masonic Durand Lodge #179 F & A.M. He enjoyed history and photography and had a love of boating and the sea.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, 17 November, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. Services will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Interment will be at the Brigadier General William Doyle Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ, at a later date.
The family would like to extend deep appreciation to the compassionate staff of Meridian At Home for their kind and caring efforts during Jim’s final illness.
In lieu of flowers, Jim and Laura have asked that a donation be made to USA Cares, Inc, a national veteran’s assistance organization, which can be found at www.usacares.org.
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