James E. Hanna

James E. Hanna, 99, of Sioux City died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, at Indian Hills Nursing and Rehab Center.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Evangelical Free Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

James was born Jan. 14, 1908, in Jib-Janine, Syria (now Lebanon), to Ellis and Habooba (Eleas) Hanna. He was the oldest of 10 children. Ellis Hanna came to Sioux City in 1911. He earned enough money to send for his wife and two sons, James and John. After several weeks on the Oceanic Steam Ship (White Star Line) from Chourberg, France, the family arrived at Ellis Island on Nov. 6, 1913.

James worked at his dad's barber shop from the age of 8 years. At age 14, he took boxing lessons and worked out with many professionals, including our own "Tuffy" Griffith. He worked at Cudahy Packing Co. Then in 1927, James graduated from East High School's first graduating class. Following graduation, he worked for a year at Armour Packing Company.

In 1928, James entered a "marathon dance" contest with Veda Hannafious, held in the auditorium at Seventh and Douglas. They danced 648 hours, winning the world championship. Thirty-two couples participated, dancing one hour and resting 15 minutes continuously day and night. After winning, James did some public appearances and then went on to Chicago to pursue an art career. After his father's death, he returned to Sioux City and helped raise his siblings. On June 1, 1931, and for the next 16 years, James owned and operated Hanna's Shoe Repair and Shine Shop on the 700 block of Pierce Street.

On Aug. 29, 1943, he was united in marriage to Genevieve Peck Asbra. She died July 10, 1998, in Sioux City. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II at Camp Lee, Petersburg, Va., Quarter Master Corp.

James sold his business at the end of 1946, and for the next 15 months, he worked for the city as a meat inspector. Then he worked for Sears as a salesman in the plumbing, heating and building department for two and a half years. He then managed Montgomery Ward's building department and later became a salesman for Guarantee Roofing Company, beginning as a half-owner of the combination window business. This would be James' profession for the next 30 years.

He became a born-again Christian in October 1947. He joined First Evangelical Free Church in February 1948, and held the positions of treasurer and deacon. He was chairman of the Sioux City Child Evangelism Fellowship for 25 years. He was also a member of the Gideon's and was chaplain for several years. In 1952, he took a six-week tour to the Holy Land area and visited his birthplace.

James did lay preaching in Moorhead, Battle Creek, Holly Springs and Climbing Hill, Iowa, as well as 40 other churches in Sioux City and the surrounding area as well as the local Free Church for 38 years. He was a member of the Siouxland Artist for many years and held the offices of president, vice president and treasurer for several years. James had "one-man" shows and won many blue ribbons for his artistic talent. He was on the Sioux City Art Center Board for two years.

James was the leading man in many one and three-act plays at the Mary Treglia Community House and had parts in many of the Little Theater Play House productions. He also directed one-act plays. He appeared in two productions with actor, MacDonald Carey.

Survivors include two stepsons, Monte Asbra and Rodney Asbra; a brother, Phil Hanna and his wife, Katie of Sioux City; a sister, Mae Hanna of Sioux City; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, John, Joseph and Edward Hanna; four sisters, Julia Love, Matt Powell, Mary Haberer and Evonne Mackenzie; a grandchild; and a niece.

Pallbearers will be Scott Haberer, Don Hanna, Lee Hann and Mel Wieseler. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Young, Archey Peck, Buck Johnson, Lee Yanney and James Yanney.

Memorials may be made in his name to First Free Evangelical Church.