James "Jim" E. Hanson

James E. Hanson (Jim), died on June 30, 2023. Jim was born in Crookston, MN and was raised in the nearby town of Fertile. He graduated from Bemidji State University and taught art in the Anoka-Hennepin school district for 39 years. Jim married Ruth Higman in 1960 and they had two daughters together. He met Pat Ferguson whom he married in 1984 and together they parented three more daughters. When he was nearing retirement, Jim and his family moved from Minneapolis to Stillwater, MN in part to be close to the St. Croix River for boating and fishing. He and Pat travelled widely, taking near annual trips to Greece, and relishing their time with grandchildren.

Jim was an exceptional husband, father and grandfather. To know him was to love him. His Norwegian affect may have been intimidating at first, with a serious face that was hard to read and a man of very few words (unless you were discussing religion, composers, art, cars, politics or sound equipment - then sometimes it was hard to get him to shut up). But once you got to the core of his being, you would find a gentle, kind, creative, sensitive, goofy, loyal and stubborn man that cared deeply about the people in his life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Pat; daughters Tina (Matt Mazzara), Maya (Tyler Severson) Molly; grandchildren Avery, Ella James, Alex; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Edna Hanson; daughter Kari (Eric Cole); siblings Audrey (Dennis Rolle), Lloyd Jr. (Sally) and Ken (Patty); brother-in-law Tom Ferguson (Lynne).

A service will be held at Bradshaw’s Funeral Parlour (2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, MN ) on Saturday, July 15, at 4pm. Family and friends may visit 2 hours prior. Reception to follow service. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Alziemhers Association or Mayo Clinic Foundation