James Walton Hanney Jr.'s Obituary
HANNEY, James Walton Jr. "Bud" 84, of St. Petersburg, passed away peacefully Aug. 17, 2009 under the loving care of Bon Secours Maria Manor Nursing Home staff and Hospice. James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Eleanor J. Hanney and his eldest daughter, Gale B. Hanney whom he lost just a few short months ago. James is survived by his daughter, Joyce E. Brown and son-in-law, Frederick H. Brown, Jr.; son, James H. Hanney; and daughter, Caren L. Baxter; six grandchildren, Sonya Mohamed and husband, Weam; Frederick H. Brown, III and wife, Mandy; Mark Brown and wife, Vanessa; Kelly Segal and husband, Josh; James H. Hanney Jr. and wife, Kasandra; and Jennifer Baxter; two great-granddaughters, Zainab Mohamed and Mallory Brown; and one great-grandson, Maxwell "Max" Brown; two brothers, Roger K. Hanney and sister-in-law, Lee; Paul R. Hanney and sister-in-law, Norma; sister, Barbara H.Wenckus; his golden retriever "Sassy" and several nieces, nephews and cousins, and many many friends. As we were reminded recently "he never knew a stranger". Born April 5, 1925 in Waltham, MA. James grew up in the town of Weston, MA. James was in the Army during WW II, with battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Ardennes. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with 4 Service Stars and a Purple Heart. He worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in different capacities as a state licensed master plumber. He also raised and bred Westonian AKC registered Boxers and Cocker Spaniels. He was a Mason and belonged to the Waltham Triad Lodge A.F & A.M. He moved his family to St. Petersburg from his hometown of Weston, MA in 1967 to spend the second half of his life in a warmer climate. His parents had moved to Florida many years earlier. He worked for the Pinellas school system and later retired from the Clearwater Postal Service in 1986. He took up golfing and spent many years enjoying the game and the heat of Florida. He enjoyed traveling the last several years with his family and friends. James (Jim) was an avid "Rays" fan from the beginning in 1998 and had been a season ticket holder the entire time. He was on the wall of fame named "Ray for Life". He was a true loyal fan during the good and bad years, attending almost all home games. He watched his first World Series last year at age 83. His family, friends and the "Rays" were his life. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug 29 at 11 am, Christ United Methodist Church 467 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL. Reception to follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bon Secours Maria Manor Angels Passing By c/o Donna Ceasare 10300 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33716.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?