Dr. James Edward Hanks

Dr. Hanks was born in Etowah County in 1942 to George and Annie Hanks.

He was the husband and high school sweetheart to Jessie Hill Hanks for over 60 years. He is also survived by his sons: Mike (Kristy), Steven (Debra) of Hoover, AL, and Brandon (Staci) of Tuscaloosa, AL, his grandchildren are Taylor Hanks, New York City; Jackson Hanks, Hoover, AL; Lily Hanks and Presley Hanks, Tuscaloosa, AL; and sisters-in-law: Sherry Hill, Mary Ann Hill, Mona Wallace, Jackie Hill and Judy Campbell.

Dr. Hanks was a graduate of Hokes Bluff High School, Class of 1960. He earned his undergraduate degree from Jacksonville State University, where he also played football for Coach Don Salls. He received his US Army Commission for the Jacksonville State ROTC Program and served in the Republic of Vietnam (1966-1967) with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. He worked as an Intelligence officer and aerial observer for the brigade, flying more than 300 missions in his L-19 “Bird Dog” aircraft. After Vietnam, Dr. Hanks returned to Gadsden and earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Alabama. He spent more than 20 years teaching and as an Administrator of the University of Alabama Gadsden Center and Gadsden State Community College. He served in the US Army Reserve for more than 26 years and retired in 1993 as a Lt. Colonel. Dr. Hanks spent a large portion of time supporting veterans, including assisting numerous veterans with their VA claim submissions and by initiating a program with his church to assist veterans at the Pell City Veterans Home. Dr. Hanks earned many military awards, including: Parachutist Badge, national Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and Bronze Star Medal.

Pallbearers will be Larry James, Blake Bonds, Jimmy Harrell, Jim Horne, Wayne Eads, and multiple nephews.

Honorary pallbearers are Brent Barrontine, Derwin Teichmiller, Herman Hathcock, Cliff Daugherty, Rod Morris, John Bates, Gordie Hershiser, Mark Driskill, Ives Davis, Bobby Welch, Ray Jordan, and Cross Creek Sisters Class.

The Hanks family would like to thank Jay Beggs and the entire staff at Hope Hospice, Gardendale, AL for your compassion and care in making James comfortable in his final days. A special thanks to Dr. Steve Sanders (Riverview Medical Center, Gadsden), Dr. Mollie DeShazo (Van Scott Cancer Center, Birmingham) and Dr. Bradley Goodman (Trussville) for their incredible care, support, and friendship.

Visitation will be from 11:00am-12:00pm CST on Monday, January 3, 2022 at Cross Creek Community Church, Hwy 278 E, Hokes Bluff, AL 35903. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm at the church. Rev. Chris Walker, Rev. Jerry Starling, and Rev. Charles Smith will officiate. Graveside services with full military rites will immediately follow at Crestwood Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services directing.

Dr. Hanks was a Charter Member of Cross Creek Community Church, so in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cross Creek Church Building Fund or to your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com