James Dennis HANSEN Obituary (2024)

Following a long illness associated with prostate cancer, James Dennis Hansen passed on October 22, 2024. Jim was born on February 16, 1946, and for most of his youth, lived with his family in Walla Walla, Washington. During his professional life, Jim was a research entomologist. He was a bachelor and is survived by his sister Anne Farmer who resides in Wallowa, Oregon. Jim was a 1964 graduate of DeSales High School in Walla Walla, Washington. Subsequently, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Seattle University, and a Master of Science degree in botany at Oregon State University. These academic pursuits were interrupted by a mandatory Army assignment at Letterman's Army Research Center in San Francisco, California. After his discharge in 1973, Jim enrolled in the doctoral program at Washington State University and completed a PhD in entomology. From that time till around 20 years ago, Jim held a number of government sponsored research positions in entomology. These assignments took him from New Mexico to Florida on to Hawaii and back to the State of Washington. Toward the end of this time, his work concentrated on remedying commercial fruits of invasive insects. Most appreciated by local farmers in the Yakima Valley and a positive jolt for the Washington State economy was Jim's introduction of microwave technology to make it possible to sell apples free of quarantine to foreign and especially Asian countries. Throughout his career, Jim published over a hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading entomology and agronomy journals. These discoveries and accomplishments made Jim a Renaissance man amongst his colleagues. However, he was glad to become a retired citizen during which time he toured the world visiting over 55 countries where he continued exploring his interests in archeology, geology, horticulture, history, culture, and cuisine. Jim was a football enthusiast starting with playing on the line for St. Patrick's in the 8th grade as an Assumption volunteer; that transitioned into a regular position on the squad under the supervision of the much praised, DeSales' football coach Jerry Anhorn. In more recent years Jim always knew the high school standings and was also a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and local college football teams. Come Fall Jim was predictably sitting before his tiny TV emoting over the wins and losses of local teams. Jimmy was also a regular attendee at the "mostly every year" 1964 class reunion sponsored by classmate Sharon Maccarone. Jim will be remembered by his friends as a person with two different styles. He was a Mr. Magoo-like solitary figure given to hours of intense quiet study of whatever caught his attention. That introverted style supported his scholarly work and was mixed interpersonally with an infectious chuckle at a shared moment of delight - calling to attention an amusing experience or an important memory. Jim liked people, and he was liked in return. His sense of humor is one of the first things that comes to mind when remembering him. Jim is survived by his only sister Lenella Anne Farmer, nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on April 5th, 2025 at 12:00 at Brookside Funeral Home in Moxee, Washington at Noon. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in James' memory to your favorite charity. Donations may be made payable to those organizations and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home who is caring for the family (P.O. Box 1267, Moxee, WA, 98936). Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com