James C Hanna

James C. Hanna (Jim), age 76 of Bexley, Ohio passed away April 21, 2024. He was born on April 4, 1948, in Rockville Centre, New York. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marlene (née Holderness) of 28 years; his children Renée (Eric) Robbins and Meghan Walker, two grandchildren, Eleanor and Annette Robbins, and nieces Ginny (Mike) Wiskemann and Lynne Schoeps, as well as several great nieces and great nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Helen Hanna and sister, Pat Costanza.

Jim was a 1966 graduate from Uniondale High School in Uniondale, New York before entering the United States Air Force in 1970 where he was stationed in Hawaii and Japan.

Following his honorable discharge, Jim worked several jobs including coordinating the building of the Circleville Youth Center south of Columbus where he was Head of Maintenance once the building was completed. Jim most recently held the position of Facilities Maintenance Technician (Sr.) for the academic district at OSU starting in 2011, where he worked for 13 years and was considered more of a mentor than a boss.

He met his wife, Marlene, while they both were dancing at the Jitterbug Cafe on the east side of Columbus. One thing led to another, they became friends and eventually got married on a trip to Florida on July 8, 1995. They continued dancing for a number of years during their early married life. Jim was an excellent ballroom dancer and won a trophy while dancing with his professional partner.

After hanging up their dancing shoes, Jim and Marlene made a ritual of going out for breakfast most Saturday mornings and always went to First Watch in downtown Columbus where the servers could anticipate their orders.

Jim never had a hard time filling his free time, whether he was graciously acting as the family’s ever prepared and knowledgeable handyman or having a great time playing games with his loved ones. Jim loved to work with his hands. He could often be found designing home improvement or yard projects. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do if he put his mind to it - he was the ultimate handyman and repairman.

Jim was a friend to everyone and although he was a man of few words, he loved to make people laugh with his quick wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed helping his family members, friends, and neighbors with any project or idea that was shared with him and served as a calm teacher, always happy to share his extensive knowledge.

His greatest treasure was his family, and he was never happier than when he was surrounded by his grandchildren and his two Goldendoodles. With two granddaughters in elementary school that warmed his heart and brought a sparkle to his eyes, he loved talking to them and hearing about all their school accomplishments. He attended school plays, orchestra concerts, soccer games and any function they participated in. During the summer, he would go to the Bexley pool with them - but he left the swimming to Grandma Mar!

For years Jim swore he didn’t want a dog until one day, six and a half years ago, when his guard was down, the first doodle, Bailey, came into their home. Jim was absolutely smitten and even agreed to a second doodle, Quinn, a year and a half ago, adding a lot of love and confusion to their home.

Jim was a kind, hardworking and helpful person at work and at home. He was a loving Grandfather, Father, and Husband who will be sorely missed by all; family, co-workers and friends alike.

Friends may visit on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Schoedinger Midtown Funeral Home, 229 E. State St., Columbus, Ohio 43215, from 1:00-3:00pm, with a memorial service immediately following at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pets Without Parents (http://www.petswithoutparents.net/donate.html)