James HANKINS

ENNEN, HANKINS, MCCLOSKEY, SMYTHE, MCGREGOR, QUEBE, ADAM

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/25/2016 at 15:49:32

November 13, 1920 ---- September 8, 2015

James Hankins went to be with the Lord at HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction [Colorado] on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the age of 94. He was born on November 13, 1920 to James Howard Hankins and Gertie Elsie (Ennen) Hankins of Corwith, Iowa. Jim grew up and attended school in Guthrie Center in Iowa. He later moved to Indianapolis, IN where he graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1939. James proudly served in the Coast Guard and was honorably discharged in 1941. One of his first jobs was delivering telegraphs for Western Union on his bicycle. Jim married Ellen McCloskey on November 4, 1943 in Westfield, IN. Early in their marriage the newlyweds moved back to Iowa to farm with his dad in Corwith. During that time the couple attended St. John Lutheran Church. In 1961 Jim and his wife Ellen moved to Albuquerque, NM where he owned several small businesses during their 30 years there. After retiring he built 3 of his own homes. Some of Jim's hobbies and interests were fishing and woodworking. Jim made beautiful wood projects and furniture for his home and his children’s homes. He and Ellen traveled in their RV fishing in rivers and lakes all over the country and he loved teaching his grandchildren to fish.

Jim is survived by his wife Ellen Hankins, Son Jim Hankins of Pine Island, FL. Daughters: Carol Smythe of Peoria, AZ and Janet and husband Jeff McGregor of Crawford, CO. Sisters: Katheryn Quebe and Gloria Adams both of Corwith, Iowa, along with 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. James is preceded in death by parents James and Gertie Hankins as well as 3 brothers, Richard Hankins, Howard Hankins and Harold Hankins. No Service will be held at his request. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.