James E. (Jim) Hans, 79, of Sullivan, (formerly of Wellsville and Montgomery City) passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023 surrounded by family and friends.
Jim was born May 25, 1944, in St. Louis to Lester and Lorene (Bennett) Hans. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He married Sharon (Mehrer) on October 3, 1962; they spent 61 wonderful years together navigating life and watching their family grow. After settling in Montgomery City, Jim worked at Mobil, Northside Auto Sales, MoorMan’s and eventually Sears Catalog Sales before relocating to Rocky Mount (Morgan County) and opening LakeBrokers Realty, where he retired in 2006. Jim was a proud member of The Montgomery Lodge #246. He was raised a Master Mason in December 1980. He continued to become a Royal Arch Mason and eventually became a Shriner.
Jim was a talented woodworker In his free time, he made birdhouses, model trucks, ships and other projects for friends and family. Despite battling health issues over the last several years, he remained in good spirits and was always positive. He had a great sense of humor and was always ready with a joke. Jim loved Corvettes. He even owned a couple. He had a passion for grilling and would always tell those that enjoyed his BBQ: “I did an excellent job on the meat.” Jim adored his family, spending his days making fond memories of farming, fishing, camping, gardening or just watching the wildlife in the yard with Sharon.
Jim is survived by his wife Sharon; daughter, Laura (Jim) Frost; sons, Michael (Jessica) Hans and Paul (Denise) Hans; grandchildren, Mikayla Hans, Matthew Hans, James Hans and Jacquelynne Hans; sisters, Lucy Marshall and Susan (David) Stripeik; brother, Gary (Pam) Hans; and many other extended family and friends. Jim will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lorene (Bennett) Hans; brother, George Hans; and brother-in-law Ronald Marshall.
A celebration of life was held on Jan. 6 at Allen Street Events in Montgomery City.
Memorial donations are suggested to the family for funeral expenses and may be sent in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.
