James and his identical twin brother William were born in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky to Almeda and James Hansel. James grew up in Valley Park, Missouri. He joined the Air force in 1951-1955. James moved to California where he met and married Sally Hansel in 1961. Together they raised 5 children, Caron, Scott, Stacy, Steven, & Johnny.
James was an Aerospace Engineer and retired from Aerospace in 1996.
James is preceded in death by his wife Sally Hansel, twin brother William, sister Sue, brothers Bob and John.
James is survived by his children Scott, Stacy, Johnny, Caron, & Steven; grandchildren Nicole, Dustin, Molly, Brooke, Hannah; great-grandchildren Caitlyn, Kelly, Kaiden, Aurora, Lucas, & River; siblings Jack, Gary, & Brenda, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces & Nephews.
