James Lee Hanson, age 62, of Kewaskum, passed away at the Kathy Hospice in West Bend on Sunday, March 18, 2012, after 9 months in a long battle with cancer.

Better known as "Jim" or "Jimmy" to his loved ones, he was born on June 17, 1949, to Elmer and Elva (Faulkner) Hanson in Black River Falls, Wis. He married Carlotta Merry Lee on Dec. 27, 1969. They left home in May of 1969 to pursue employment in the Sheboygan area where Jim worked for Armour Leather Co., Tecumseh Diecast, Richardson Lumber Co. and Bemis Manufacturing. With his experience in the manufacturing of garment leather, he then worked as an Operations Manager for Tanfur Corporation. This role led to an opportunity to relocate to Murray, Utah, where he trained Ute Indians on the reservation in Roosevelt, Utah. This lasted two years and then he returned to Wisconsin and worked as plant manager at Great Lakes Tanning Co. until it closed in 1980. Jim then continued his career with General Split Corp, Hide Service Corp, and Milwaukee Tallow (later purchased by Darling Corporation) in numerous management roles. More recently, Jim worked for Sysco Foods, Futuristic Tiles (Walter’s Building and Supplies) and West Bend Commercial Warehouse before retiring.

His most enjoyable moments revolved around family … everything from quiet moments at home with his wife to large family gatherings with his children and siblings, along with their families. Jim spent most of his free time fishing, hunting, motorcycle riding, adventures to the casino, time with his grandkids, and repairing small engines.

He is survived by his beloved wife and soul mate, Carlotta Merry (Lee) Hanson; three sons: Justin (Becky), Brandon, and Quentin; seven grandchildren: Quentin Jr., Hunter, Bryce, Stormy, Austin, Sadey, Colton; and 6 sisters: Peggy (Chuck), Carol (Junior), Janis (Jay), Diane (Mike), Rachel (Glen), Susan (Mike), and sister-in-law Cheryl along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Elva; brother, Allen; sister, Betty; and brothers-in-law Charles Wilkinson and Glen Wells.

The visitation will be on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel of West Bend (1420 W. Paradise Drive) from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. No formal service will be held.

A Memorial Service in Taylor, WI will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at Taylor Lutheran Church (111 Church Street in Taylor). Visitation will be from 10-10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at the church. Burial of ashes will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Taylor.

James’ family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Charles Kaufmann, West Bend Cancer Center, and Kathy Hospice’s staff, most of all, the support from his loving family.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.
(262) 338-2050
www.phillipfuneralhome.com.