James Clinton Hanks was born October 9,1933 in Campton, Kentucky to Roy and Barsha Hanks.
He died on July 27, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sheila Todd Hanks; daughter, Angela Hanks Owen (Danny); son, Brad Hanks; grandson, Matthew Owen (Tabitha Johnson); great-grandson, Jude Owen; his sister of Campton, Kentucky, Carolyn Miller; nephew, Jim Miller (Patricia); great-nephews, Austin Miller (Amanda) and Roy Miller (Carrisa).
As a young boy, Jim’s life began in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. The Red River Gorge was an easy bike ride from his yard. He hiked up to Natural Bridge many times as a youth. As an adult he still enjoyed an Ale 8 and a moon pie. He graduated from Wolfe County High School and went on to University of Kentucky to begin his college education. After two years at UK, he joined the army and was assigned into the Tank Battalion. He volunteered to serve as a paratrooper and graduated from the 11th Airborne Jump School Class # 31, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, November 1954, making nine successful jumps.
Jim returned to UK on the GI Bill. Weighing in at 149 lbs. and describing himself as a romping, stomping Airborne, half man and half alligator. While attending biology class he spotted a beautiful lady dressed in black shorts. He fondly would retell about the first time he spoke to her. She was leaving class when he pulled up beside her in his new red and white1956 Chevy and asked if she wanted a ride. She turned him down! From that moment, Sheila Todd was the love of his life.
Jim was a graduate of the University of Kentucky, receiving both his Masters and Rank 1 in Education from UK. He began his teaching career at Lebanon High School. His favorite class was teaching government and discussing politics with his students. He then went on to open Lebanon Junior High School as its first principal. The years spent at Lebanon Junior High were the highlight of his education career. His many years of experience then took him to the Central Office of Marion County where he was over several state programs. After retiring, he served as an officer for the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association to protect the funding for teachers and their retirement. He was an active lobbyist for all retired teacher benefits.
Raised in the Campton Methodist Church, then joining the Lebanon Methodist Church the night his son was born, April 11,1964. He enjoyed teaching the Adult Sunday School Class for 25 years.
Even in his last days when visited he would say smiling “It’s great to be alive!’
A private memorial service will be conducted at a later date.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Foundation in honor of James C. Hanks. Donations can be made at, donate.cancer.org, or by calling 1-800-227-2345.
Bosley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.