Rev. James Hanson
January 17, 1939 ~ September 27, 2010
James "Jim" Allen Hanson, 71, Moorhead, MN, passed away Monday, September 27, 2010, under the loving care of his family. He was born on January 17, 1939, in Roscoe Township, MN to Melvin and Ora (Romo) Hanson. He graduated valedictorian of his class from Pine Island High School in Pine Island, MN in 1956. He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN in 1961. During the internship year at Luther Theological Seminary, Jim married KariJo Herbranson, his college sweetheart, on June 15, 1963. Jim was ordained at Land's Lutheran Church near Zumbrota, MN on June 6, 1965. He was called to Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Valley City, ND from 1965 to 1977, and to Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, ND and Blanchard Lutheran Church in Blanchard, ND from 1977 until his retirement in 2001. He taught Psychology at Valley City State College for two years, was active in the Jaycees, Rotary, Sons of Norway, Kiwanis, Hospice Chaplain, Chaplain twice at the ND House of Representatives, and Hillsboro Summer Musicals. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Bethesda Lutheran, Blanchard Lutheran, or Our Savior's Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, KariJo, son, Tim (Sue), daughters Karis Hanson and Julianne (Jeff) Canning, grandchildren Alexis Kline and Kari Larson, a brother Duane (Charlene) Hanson, sister-in-laws Carol Jean (Gordon) Bordsen and Marlene Herbranson, brother-in-law Kai (Joan) Herbranson and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Tom Herbranson.
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Casa Grnde `AzThank God for the life of Jim and what a testament this book is of his life. Gosh what a great chior heaven has. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us.
Pine Island, MN
Sorry to hear of Pastor James death. We always enjoyed having you visit us at Lands over the years. We miss Melvin too.
God bless
Warren MN
We were SO SORRY to learn of your husband’s passing, Kari Jo. This has been a most painful year for you with Tom’s passing and now with your husbands. I have not met your husband but I have heard such glowing remarks about him.
You can be assured you are in our hearts and our prayers during this very difficult time.
Hugs and love, John & Sharon Carlson
Fargo, ND
My condolences to Kari Jo and her family! It was a pleasure and an honor to take care of Jim through all these years. He was a great man. My prayers are with all of you.
Hillsboro ND
Thinking of you and remembering the times Pastor Jim was there for us as a young married couple just starting a family. He will be greatly missed.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time! May you find peace and joy knowing Pastor Jim is at home with our heavenly father. Pastor Jim baptised both of our children, now 11 and 13. When we first joined Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hillsboro he made us feel very welcome and gave us a true sense of belonging to the church. We feel truly blessed to have had him as a spiritual leader and friend.
Tracy, Jodi, Logan and Hannah Buzick
Moorhead mnLove you, Kari Jo and children and others. I am impressed that you found a way to share the gospel despite your grief. Remember Jim can now sing and dance with and for Jesus.
Newbury Park CaliforniaDearest Keri Jo, We are sorry to hear the news that Jim has passed away. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve your loss and face the coming days. With deepest sympathy and love, Bob and Dee Ricker
Chicago ILI was so sorry to hear about the loss of Pastor Jim. He was an amazing man and an inspiration to so many, myself included. Thank you for sharing him with us. God Bless.
Fargo ND
Hi to the Hanson Family
So sorry to hear about Rev. Hanson’s passing. Wish I oculd have gone to the funeral but I just found out. I love having him as my pastor for most of my life. He confimed me into the church, married me, and baptized, I believe both of my sons. I have thought of him time and time again and he will be missed. He was the best. He always greeted everyone with a smile no matter what and wasn’t judgemental, I felt like I could talk to him about anything. I couldn’t have asked for a better minister in my life. My heart goes out to all of you during this time and I wish all of you the best.
Schurz NVDear KariJo and family,
David and I are so sorry to hear Jim is gone. I appreciate Jim most when my dad died and he offered me his kindness.
Thank you for being with us in Valley City both you and Jim were great friends to all.
Blessings,
Zan and David
Valley City ND
Dearest Kari Jo and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend and spiritual leader Jim. I have many fond memories of old times together. Remember the lamp? The Ford/Dole campaign? The washing machine box? I will truely treasure these and many more memories of those Valley City years, and I know that a lifetime of memories that you and Pastor Jim have made, along with your unshakable faith, will sustain you in these dark days. Kari Jo, to you and your family we say take heart, for these dark days will surely pass.
The last year I attended the Cobber Corn Feed, in Moorhead. As usual, there was a huge turn out. I was looking for Jim and KariJo, but didn’t see them. Rev. Paul Dovre was visiting with some folks, so I asked Paul, if he knew Pastor Jim Hanson, he replied, “Of course I do!” I would guess being KariJo and Jim had sent their kids to Concordia and Jim and KariJo had attended so many graduations, Paul would know him.
It was wonderful to have a chance to visit with Jim and his family, at the Corn Feed!
We have challenges in life, but Jim and KariJo are able to keep a positive outlook upon life, despite their challenges. I hope that KariJo and Jim’s family and friends will have the same strong believe in God and His Son, our Savior, at this time and always! Jim and KariJo continued a wonderful ministry, despite the challenges of life. With this same faith, you know that KariJo and Jim will continue their dance, one day again, in Heaven.
God Bless the Memory of James Allen Hanson! God continue to be with and Bless KariJo and their family and friends.
Until we meet again my friend, remain safe in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Soli Deo Gloria
To God alone be the Glory
Alpine AZ
Dear Karijo and Family,
Know that we are sending our love and prayers to you. Jim was a wonderful, gracious and kind person and a delight to meet at the Warren High School reunions.
Warren and Marion Hickman
I am very sad at the passing of Pastor Hanson. I grew up in Hillsboro, and have the best memories of him and how he made church feel like home. He will really be missed. But he is now with the one he preached about each week. My sympathies to the family.
What a lovely picture of Pastor Jim! And what a lovely man. This is how I will remember him — he was such a pillar in our community of Hillsboro, and certainly in the spiritual lives of so many. I feel so blessed to have grown up with such a strong presence in my life. He is an inspiration and example of a life well lived – indeed, their entire family is! Much love to all of you.
Fargo N> D>Pastor Jim Hanson family: Our prayers & thoughts are with you in this REMARKABLE man!!! He had the unique talent to BRING THE MESSAGE FROM THE PULPIT out to the THE REAL WORLD!!! I was alwayes impressed by his CAREING, MILD, & GENTLE ways!!! Also his GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR!!! Kari Jo, as we brushed up on OVER 55 driveing skills, i do not believe i ever did know the answer to his question, was it LEGAL FOR HIM TO WAVE TO HIS FRIEND WHEN DRIVING, IF HE ONLY HAD ONE ARM???? I know we all looking forward to not only waving but a GREAT HUG when WE MEET AGAIN!!! OUR world needs MORE HUGS & PEOPLE LIKE JIM & YOU!!! Thanks for the memories!! Dale Stenerson
Lower Brule sdSorry to hear of your loss of such a wounderful man. He has left many wounderful memories. He will be greatly missed!
Pator Jim, You did so many lovely things. I thank you for all the great things and being at St. Lukes when my dad died. You were the best.
Rochester Minnesota
To Mrs. Hanson and Family-
Mrs. Hanson you were my favorite teacher in high school, and your husband was a great friend. Although my family did not attend Our Saviors, I have many fond memories of Jim, and you. I didn’t realize my family had moved so close to somewhere he was from. Many prayers and hugs go out to you….however the angels have just called home a great man 🙂
Sincerely,
Eva Hagel and Family
Lakewood COPastor Jim, my dad Russ Cary, and KariJo all sang in Our Savior’s (VC) choir so many years ago. It was something my dad cherised. I went with KariJo and Jim to NYC in 1970 for the Luther League convention. No parents could have watched over us better. Pastor Jim’s sermons and Christian example helped guide me through my growing up years.
KariJo — Our hearts go out to you for your loss. Jim was a great guy – Kind, patient, wise, funny, full of God’s grace and love. The evidence of his love of family, in particular you KariJo, was clearly seen/felt by all. Your love and devotion to Jim, KariJo, is/was a great inspiration! God bless you and your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Alice and Darrold Engel (from the transplant group).
Fargo ND
I have always had the utmost respect and affection for Pastor Jim. He came to Hillsboro between my 8th grade and 9th grade confirmation classes. So I had both Pastor Savoreide & Pastor Hanson. He was not only a man of God but was also a kind, considerate, compassionate man who was also cool as well. He could relate to both children and adults very well. PJ was an excellent pastor who always grabbed the attention of the congregation and ran a very nice, formal service. He was always available when you needed a friend, or a clergyman, or just someone whose ear you would like to bend for a few minutes. He always treated you like you mattered regardless of the reasons why. Pastor Jim left an indelible mark on my life that will never be erased. I wish there were more pastors like PJ.
PJ…..even though you have slipped the surly bonds of earth. Your gentle, kind spirit will never be forgotten as you reach with outstretched arms and touch the face of God.
Tempe AZ
Dear KariJo and family,
So sorry to hear about Jim. It’s been almost 5 years (last reunion) since we saw you all – didn’t think he looked real great but hanging on (with a kidney transplant) for this long is something – maybe even a miracle! Been going through our Sr. year book and recalling the good times we had together – Pinescript – Sr. Class play, etc. Jim wrote in my year book – “Lush, We’ll never forget those late hours at Pinescript and the fun we had at play practice. Remember our hilarious time at Wisc. Dells …… have a gay time at Macalester and if you become a teacher be kind to your kids. Lots of luck, Jim”
Sounds like we were an item but no luck 🙂
He was a sweet, fun loving guy and the ministry was certainly his calling.
Our best to you and your family.
In prayer and sympathy.
Alicia and Dale Merriam
A card and memorial will follow. Are you coming to 55th class reunion? Uneda says it is June 17 & 18 in Pine Island and Oronoco.
Fargo ND
My condolences to Kari Jo and the family! Pastor Jim was a great man!
Larsen, WIDear Kari Jo,
I’m writing to extend sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Jim from all of us at Grace Lutheran Church of Winchester, Larsen, WI.
What dear memories I have of you two (three) here in Winchester while Jim was Intern–from May 26, 1963 to August 30, 1964. Both of you had a great hand in laying a solid foundation of faith in my life. I regret that I never stayed in touch and would love to hear from you.
On October 24, we are celebrating our church’s 160th Anniversary. I just happen to have the Sunday bulletins from 1963-67 at home to write church history. The following is taken from the bulletin back cover of September 1, 1963 (the day you were received as new members of Grace):
“None of us knows when his day may end.
If we are at work for Him, the end will be but another beginning,
and we will go on to work with Him throughout all eternity.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Romans 6:23
West Fargo ND
So Sorry for your loss
fort worth texasMy love, prayers, and angels go out to the hanson family. My life was truly blessed. The day Pastor Hanson raised me up in the church. For everyone to welcome me. His sermons are something that will forever be with me. He had a way of preaching, and singing the word. I know he is with the lord now. With no more pain, watching over us all.
Tempe AZ
Dear KariJo and family,
So sorry to hear about Jim. It’s been almost 5 yrs (last reunion) since w saw you all – didn’t think he looked real great but hanging on (with a kidney transplant) for this long is something – maybe even a miracle. Been going through our year book and recalling the good times we had together – Pinescript – Sr. class play, etc. Jim wrote in my year book – “Lush, We’ll never forget those late hours at Pinescript and the fun we had at play practice. Remember our hilarious at Wisc. Dells? …… have a gay time at Macalester and if you become a teacher be kind to your kids. Lots of luck Jim” Sounds like we were an item but no luck :).
He was a sweet, fun loving, wonderful guy and the ministry was certainly his calling.
Our best to you and your family.
In prayer and sympathy.
Alicia (Ahneman) & Dale Merriam
(A card and memorial will follow)
Are you coming to our 55th reunion? Uneda says June 17 – 18 in Pine Island and Oronoco.
Larsen WI.Our tender & deepest sympathy to you, Kari Jo and your precious family. We are deeply saddened by this news.
You & Pastor Jim have been thought of many times lovingly. It’s been a long time. You will be in our prayers this night.
Sincerely,
Dave & Cleo
Valley City ND
Dear Kari Jo and family.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Pastor Jim ,he was a great man and will be missed by many. He always had asmile for eveyone. Our children were so blessed to have grownup at Our Savior
with pastor Jim and our grandaughter
Lacey in Lithville. Our prayers are with you!!!
God Bless You!!!
Betty & Willie
Tempe AZ
I was a classmate of Jim at Pine Island High and fondly remember him both at school and the reunions thereafter. May the memory and rewards of his many accomplishments bring you comfort. He will be greatly missed.
Dilworth MN
Kari Jo & Family
Jim married us and we will never forget his sermon and advice he gave us. It must have stuck as we have been married 20 years this Dec. Jim always took time to visit with me anytime I would run into him. I also have fond memories of him when we performed at the summer musicals.
A great man of God!
Hillsboro ND
Hugs & prayers go out to all of the Hanson family. We have wonderful memories of good times together. Heaven has made a place for him to sit at the table.
Williston ND
Dearest Kari Jo and the entire Hanson Family,
Pastor Jim was the man that baptized me and confirmed me. I will always remember his three point sermons, the way he sang with pure joy, and his love for the Lord.
The angels in heaven were looking for another singer in the choir and I picture Pastor Jim there.
With my thought and prayers,
Erica (Larson) Skoglund
Goodhue Minnesota
Dear family of Jim Hanson,
My sympathy to you as you mourn the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. I was a classmate of Jim’s at Pine Island High School, 5 of us just met yesterday to plan our 55th class reunion, and of course we spoke of Jim.
He will be missed. Sincerely, Marlys and Ray McNamara
Valley City North Dakota
We are so sorry to hear that Jim had
passed away. I think of the good times
we had when I worked for him at Our
Saviors Church in VC. We treasure
the memories with you & your family.
God be with you now and know that
you will be in our prayers during these difficult times. Love, Bea
Hillsboro ND
My condolances to you, Kari, & your whole family. I will always remember Jim and his sermans. Have a song & a dance in his memory. Milfred Smith family.
Raleigh NCPlease accept my condolences. Rev. Jim and Kari Jo were my next door neighbors growing up. You could not find a nicer family. I know that Rev. Jim will be missed by many. My prayers are with his family.
FARGO ND
THE ANGELS ARE SINGING WITH THE COMING OF JIM TO HEAVEN, THEY HAVE GAINED A VERY GOOD MAN.
PASTOR JIM WHEN IN VALLEY CITY CONFIRMED ME, PERFORMED THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY 34 YRS AGO FOR DOUG AND I. VALLEY CITY LOST A GOOD FAMILY BUT HILLSBORO BENEFITED. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS I HAVE RUN INTO JIM AND KARI JO WHAT A WONDERFUL COUPLE.
TO THE FAMILY MAY YOUR MEMORIES CONSOLE YOU IN THIS TIME OF LOSS
JULIE POWELL FROEMKE
FLORENCE POWELL SENDS MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME. JIM WAS A GREAT PASTOR.
Valley City ND
Dear KariJo and Family-
Please accept the sincere condolences of Gigi and myself on the passing of Pastor Jim to his Heavenly reward. I enjoyed getting to know him personally during his time at Cormorant Lutheran when I attended services with my Mom. Both of my folks thought a lot of him as Dad served with him on the Barnes County Housing Authority Board, if I remember right. We wish the best for all of you. A memorial will be sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran in Valley City.
Gigi Goven
Tom Goven
Minneapolis Minnesota
We extend our sympathy to Kari Jo and family. Pastor Jim was an inspiring Pastor and thoughtful man who enhanced the ministry during his time in Hillsboro. We have fond memories of his cheerfulness, kindness, and comforting ways. May God’s peace comfort and sustain you during this difficult time. May happy memories of Pastor Jim as husband and father continue to abide with you on your journey.
HILLSBORO, ND
My heart weeps as Jim has been such an angel in the lives of my family. His genuine smile is to strongly embeded in my memories and thoughts. I have comfort in knowing that Jim is now free from pain in the arms of our heavenly father. I pray he wraps His arms around each of you during this time. Jim left his footprints in so many lives and I am a better person for knowing him. Pastor Jim taught all of us to walk in His light always.
Jamestown ND
The world has lost a wonderful pastor, leader and mentor. My sympathies and thoughts go out to the entire family.
My first memory of Paster Jim is of him stepping up at the 1977 pep rally before we went to State basketball. I remember him saying that he had never been asked to pray for a basketball team before – and he then prayed for the safety of the players and good sportsmanship for both players and fans. That prayer has stuck with me for all these years and helped shape my coaching philosophy throughout my lifetime.
AZ
Pastor Hanson will always live in my Memory. He was always helpful to us when we needed him.
Galesburg ND
Our deepest sympathies to all the family of Pastor Jim. We enjoyed many short visits with him.
Hillsboro North Dakota
Paster Jim was a true servant of God. His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit and the brick and mortar of the church. The world is a better place thanks to the gifts and talents he shared with others. He is now at home with his Lord and Savior Jesus. God Bless Jim’s family and many friends.
Midland TXPastor Jim was a wonderful man and will be missed by all that he touched in his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Rochester MN
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim and I were classmates at P. I. High School. May God’s peace comfort you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My heart was so saddened to see the loss i know you and your family are feeling. It brought back so many of the feeling of Mom and Dads passing. Jim and your family were always there for all of us. I remember Jim and you even coming home from the lake for Moms funeral and to give our family the support and love we so needed. I still have fond memories of being your neighboro in Hillsboro and the pictures of the girls going to school together. So many memories and I know you have so many friends to surround you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you find peace in your love of the Lord and knowing Jim is still with you. God Bless all of you.
Barb Hansen
Zumbrota mnWe want to extend our Sympathy to you and your family KariJo. I know you have had many years of struggling with health issues but it is never easy to say goodby. Our thoughts are with you. Irene and Sigurd Ree
Fargo ND
We were so saddened to learn of Pastor Jim’s death on Monday. We are so sorry that we can’t make it home for his funeral because we’re traveling in Michigan at the moment. Please know, KariJo, that we’ll be there with you in spirit, however.
Pastor Jim was such a warm, kind, caring man and we enjoyed getting to know him (and you, KariJo) when he served at Cormorant Lutheran until he became ill.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family as you grieve the loss of this wonderful man.
Love,
Hans & Phyllis
Hillsboro Dear Kari Jo and family – what a truly sad time for all of you. Jim’s demeanor and quiet dignity gave the rest of us confidence to try do the right thing in our daily lives. He will be deeply missed by our family, as well as the community of Hillsboro. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Farmington MN
Our sincere condolences to Pastor Jim’s family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Fargo North Dakota
Rest in peace Jim. You were a terrific person.
Hillsboro ND
Our sincere condolences to Pastor Jim’s family. He was a wonderful man who touched many lives with his excellent sermons. Pastor Jim’s involvement with our family members during confirmations, weddngs and funerals meant so much to us. He will be missed by many!
Fargo ND
Kari jo, Tim, Karis, and Julie and your families,
You have lost a great and wonderful man. I remember so well when he arrived back in 1977. He was definitely a major factor in my faith formation. His sermons were so easy to understand and apply to our own lives.
Our family has appreciated the friendship between us with mom working for him for so many years. I’m sure she was there among the many to greet him when he arrived on Monday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kristi
Madison WIPastor Jim confirmed me at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in 1982, and he was my pastor during my years in Hillsboro in the 1980s. I will always remember his sermons. They were so easy to take notes on. We all became alert when he came to “What does this mean for us today?” That was the way Pastor Jim looked at faith: it is an integral means of governing our lives. My memories of him will continue to guide me. He has done God’s work. Blessings to him and his family.
Valley City I am so sorry to hear of Pastor Hanson’s passing. He confirmed me and married my husband and I. My deepest sympathies go out to the whole family.
Plymouth MN
Pastor Jim touched so many lives, not only in his congregation but also in the community. Until he came to Hillsboro, there were no real efforts to have community services for town celebrations. His efforts to bring people together were extraordinary.
On a more personal level, those of us who went to Our Saviors appreciated his well-planned sermons, his concern for congregation members and his example of living a good Christian life.
You all became part of our extended family, and we join you in missing Pastor Jim. We thank God for the privilege of having known him, and we rejoice in his everlasting life through his faith.
Fargo ND
Kari jo, Tim, Karis, and Julie,
I was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He fought the good fight, but died too young. He was a major influence in my life and I will miss him greatly. May God’s peace comfort you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Anne Ballinger
Bangor MEKari Jo and Family,
I was saddened to read of Jim’s passing. Know that you all are in my thoughts and
prayers.
Sharon
Fargo ND
I am so sorry to read of Pastor Jim’s passing. His kind, gentle manner, broad gracious smile, and warm communication skills, whether from the pulpit or by chance on the street, will be missed. I am so fortunate to have had him as a building block in my faith journey. May God’s reassuring hand hold you all, Kari Jo, Tim, Karis, and Juli.
Shannon