James Albert Hannon

James Albert Hannon, known by many as Jim, was born on the 2nd of December, 1947, in the humble town of Gardner, Kansas. It is with a heavy heart we announce his departure on the 3rd of July, 2023, in Emporia, Kansas, after a valiant and prolonged battle with cancer.

When one considers the life of Jim Hannon, the words funny, wise, and handy spring to mind. A man of great wit and wisdom, he used his hands to create, educate, and inspire. He was a beacon of knowledge and a wellspring of laughter, his jovial spirit lighting up every room he graced.

His academic journey began in Emporia State University, where he pursued his love for Speech, English, and American History, earning a Bachelor's degree. His thirst for knowledge did not end there as he further obtained a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Education. Jim, ever the lifelong learner, also acquired a Specialist's degree in Education, focusing on Administration and Supervision of Instruction.

Jim dedicated his life to the noble profession of teaching, spending an impressive 39 years at Emporia High School. As a teacher and department chair, he touched countless lives, inspiring young minds to reach their full potential. His passion for education extended into his later years when he served at Emporia State University for almost 15 years, guiding the next generation of educators as an Adjunct Instructor and Education Supervisor for Secondary Ed student teachers.

Away from the hallowed halls of academia, Jim found solace in the simple pleasures of life. He was a skilled craftsman who took great delight in woodworking and carpentry, creating works of art from the simplest of materials. A lover of nature, he found peace in the quiet act of fishing, the gentle sway of the water mirroring his calm and steady demeanor. He was a connoisseur of music, his heart beating to the rhythms of Blues and Motown. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, his eyes twinkling with joy at their laughter and boundless energy.

Jim leaves behind his wife, a devoted daughter, two adoring grandchildren, a caring brother, and two doting sisters. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and learning, his memory etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

"Hear me, my Chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever." – Chief Joseph