James C. Hanna

James C. Hanna

July 31, 1949 – May 19, 2021

James C. Hanna, 71, of Omaha, NE passed away May 19, 2021.  Preceded in death by his parents, James R. and Ione (McGinnis) Hanna.  Survived by loving wife, Rose (Dostal) Hanna; sons, Terry Hanna (Amy), Jerry Hanna (Debbie); grandsons, Tyler Hanna, Shane Hanna; granddaughters: Kaitlyn Hanna, Karly Hanna, Allie Hanna; sisters, Jan Burton (Russ), Patty Jensen (Dan); as well as many family and friends.

VISITATION:  Tuesday, May 25^th from 5pm to 7pm at Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S. 86^th Street, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, May 26^th at 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Westside Foundation or Elmwood Tower.

To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.

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Jim was born on July 31, 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska to James R. and Ione (McGinnis) Hanna.  Jim graduated from North High School in 1967.  In 1971, he began his career at Northwestern Bell as an outside technician, which later changed hands to US West and then Qwest Communications throughout his career.  Later that year, Jim was introduced to a young lady, named Rosie from small town Scribner, Nebraska, who worked at Mutual of Omaha.  It’s been told that Rosie was a godsend as she straightened out this North High boy who “acted tough” and liked racing cars on Dodge Street.  Exactly one year from their first date, they were married on April 29, 1972 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Scribner, NE.  Jim and Rosie had two sons, Terry and Jerry, and they enjoyed attending their many sporting events throughout their childhood.  Even though he was not a practicing Catholic, he almost always tried to attend Mass with Rosie, to spend more time together and pray.

Jim worked tirelessly for 32 years as a technician, battling all the elements of weather, throughout his hometown of Omaha, NE, and later accepted early retirement in 2002.  Even though he retired in 2002, he just couldn’t fully retire.  His work ethic always drove his life.  Jim eventually worked at Elmwood Tower for 15 years doing maintenance.  It was the same building where his mom was living.  He never admitted to it, but the family always knew the main reason for his time at Elmwood was because he wanted to watch over his mom.  Jim became everyone’s favorite worker and an instant celebrity walking the hallways delivering packages and messages, talking about the day’s news, and always bragging about his grandkids.

He lived his life to the fullest and touched so many lives with his kind heart and strong work ethic.  Jim loved his time pheasant hunting throughout Nebraska, playing softball with his friends, and going on summer vacations.  He treasured his time with his wife, kids, five grandkids, and daughters-in-law by attending many sporting events, activities, and celebrations.  Jim especially loved his annual Father’s Day golf outing with his family.  He always told his boys to treat everyone with respect, treat everyone how you would want to be treated, and that hard work always pays off.

Survived by his wife of 49 years, Rosie; sons, Terry Hanna (Amy), Jerry Hanna (Debbie); grandsons, Tyler Hanna and Shane Hanna; granddaughters: Kaitlyn Hanna, Karly Hanna, and Allie Hanna; sisters, Jan Burton (Russ), Patty Jensen (Dan); as well as many family and friends.  Preceded in death by his parents, James R. and Ione (McGinnis) Hanna.