On April 8, 2018, a beautiful Sabbath morning, James Grant Hanson, was called to his heavenly home to be with his sweetheart, Olivette, his son, Douglas, and many loved ones who anxiously awaited his return. He has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith.
Jim was born on May 19, 1935 to Robert Christian Hanson and Lettie Adeline Anderson, in Wendell, Idaho. Where he grew up in a wonderful farming community and learned the value of hard work. He graduated from Wendell High School in 1953. He worked at several different jobs and traveled a bit before beginning his first year at Ricks College. He was called to serve in the Great Lakes Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He returned shortly after arriving in the mission field, due to illness. He completed his mission a few years later, returning to the same area.
He returned to Ricks College, graduating with high honors in 1960 and obtaining his teaching degree. He taught in the 6th Grade for the Shelley Idaho School District, before continuing his education at Brigham Young University, where he graduated with high honors in 1962, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
While living and working in Idaho, he met his beautiful sweetheart, Olivette Cunningham. In June 1959 they had their first date. They were sealed together for time and all eternity two years later, on June 12, 1961, in the Idaho Falls Temple.
They moved to Provo, Utah, to attend BYU. After graduating, Jim and Olivette lived in Murray, Utah, before purchasing their first home in Sugarhouse, Utah. A few years and a few children later, they moved to Bountiful, Utah.
They eventually settled in Draper, Utah in 1978 to raise their nine children. Christina (Ron) Mecham, J. Timothy Hanson, Ronald J. Hanson, Marianne (Bryan) Tischner, Jared L. Hanson, Lettie Kae (Creston) Anderson, Douglas G. Hanson, Robert L. Hanson, and Paula Phelps. Where they resided for 40 years among many cherished friends and neighbors. They are the proud grandparents of 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Jim worked for 40+ years in the Financial Department for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, eventually retiring at the age of 73. Through the years, he also worked at a variety of part-time jobs, several of which he held at the same time.
His crowning joy was indeed his family and he loved each of them with all his heart and soul. Everything he did was to provide for them and make sure each one was taken care of, physically and spiritually.
He worked hard at everything he did and believed if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. He was industrious, independent, and strongly believed in being self-reliant. He taught, by example and precept, how to live productively and to serve others.
Jim was a man of conviction and integrity, with unwavering faith in his heavenly Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ. He served in many capacities in the LDS church and enjoyed each of them. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ and found great joy in serving others. In January 2003, he began one of his most cherished callings, serving in the Jordan River Temple and then later in the Draper Temple. Temple service was a highlight in his life and he was extremely devoted, covering extra shifts whenever possible. He was finally released from this calling in April 2013, so he could care for his wife, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
He was an avid reader and strongly encouraged continuously educating the mind. He told stories and read many books to his family. Always anxious to share his love of the written word with family and friends. He had a passion for gardening and growing things. He felt most happy working alongside his family in his large garden, where not a weed was to be found in it on his watch. Many hungry recipients enjoyed the fruits of his labors.
Jim found solace in running and cycling. These were his preferred methods of transportation. He completed the Deseret News Marathon three times in his 60's and could be found riding his bicycle all over the valley.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and loved ones too numerous to count. Preceded in death by his wife, Olivette Cunningham, and his son, Douglas Grant Hanson.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 12:00 noon, with a viewing from 10:00 to 11:30am prior at the Draper 12th Ward LDS Chapel, 12353 South 600 East, Draper, UT. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
