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Official Obituary of

James Leon Hanson, Sr.

February 19, 1947 ~ September 18, 2025 (age 78) 78 Years Old

James Hanson Obituary

James Leon Hanson, Sr. passed away on September 18, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. He was born February 19, 1947, in Jasper, Texas to Arthur Dell Hanson and Dorthy Dean (McNutt) Hanson.


James was a true cowboy, and his love of people, dogs, and horses was always his most endearing trait. He never met a stranger and would always take the time to teach the younger generation the life of a cowboy. Hat, boots, pressed shirt, and starched jeans were his trademark way before George. He was often teased that George Strait stole his look. He spent many hours hauling his kids and grandkids to horse shows, playdays, and events. He loved his church family and served on the ERT team for Upshur County and as a church elder.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Dell and Dorthy Hanson; Grandparents, James "Lenny" and Lilly McNutt, Leon and Goldie Hanson, and nephew David Bowen.


He is survived by his children; daughters Monica Hanson Hardy, Marci Hanson Smith, and Cheyenne Hanson; and only son James L. Hanson, Jr.; sister Lynn Hanson Bowen; his 10 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.


He will be truly missed by those of us who loved him and have great memories of all his cowboy ways.


His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday Oct. 4, 2025, at 5:30 pm at the Sit 'em Down Cowboy Church in Big Sandy, Texas.

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