CMSgt James Joseph Hannan (ret)
CMSgt James Joseph Hannan, better known to most as Jim was born on May 1, 1959 in Lakewood, California to the late Edward R. Hannan and Josephine (O’Connor)Hannan. Jim passed away at the age of 65 on May 21, 2024. His passing was sudden. We are all in disbelief and extremely saddened by this event. He will be loved and missed every day.
Jim served in the United States Air Force for 28 years. He served in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal for his entire military career. His duty stations included Lackland AFB, TX, Redstone Army Arsenal, AL, Eglin AFB, FL, NAVSCOLEOD, MD, Sembach AB, Germany, England AFB, LA, Eglin AFB, FL, Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan and his last duty station NAVSCOLEOD at Eglin AFB, FL (as Superintendent at NAVSCOLEOD). While in the Air Force Jim earned many awards, honors and accolades.
Jim’s first duty station (not school related) at Eglin AFB, FL; is where Jim met the love of his life Donna Andrews of Niceville, FL in September of 1978. Jim and Donna were married on June 30,1979, at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Niceville, FL. Together they had two beautiful children Daniel Aaron Hannan born August 15, 1980, and Jennifer Lynn Hannan born March 13, 1982. Both Daniel and Jennifer were born at Eglin AFB, FL.
Jim loved Pepsi and has thousands of dollars in collectibles and even got to go to the birthplace of Pepsi on a trip with his wife Donna. He loved fishing, scuba diving, hang gliding, target shooting his bow and arrow, sailing, and repelling in Joshua Tree National Park. He had an EOD sense of humor. He boxed in his early years in the military. He was afraid of needles but donated his 40th gallon of blood on his 40th birthday. He was there for his children whether it be helping with math homework, critiquing a speech, practicing sports or just having fun. He also made a point to be there for his son’s friends at their important life events even when it was states away. He loved his dogs and his Orange Winged Amazon Parrot D.J. who is now 27 years old. She has his cough. He was secure in his masculinity and if he was cold he would wear your flower embroidered sweater with the pearls without hesitation. He loved spicy food and could eat tacos every day. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was present in the delivery room for both their births. As they grew he took them to the skating rink, skate park, multiple parks on Eglin AFB, the pool, Lincoln Park and Florida Park to swim for hours on end, night fishing in the summer, countless walks and all the fun that a retired grandpa had to offer.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother Josephine (O’Connor)Hannan, his sister Cynthia (Hannan)Anderson, his brother Edward R. Hannan II and his father Edward R. Hannan. Also preceding him in death is father-in-law Carl J. Andrews, his great nephew Gavin E King, and mother-in-law Ronnie Andrews.
Jim is survived by Donna, his wife of 45 years. Son Daniel Hannan of Florida, daughter Jennifer (Chad) Carl of Florida and his grandchildren Alison “his Sunshine” Carl and Luke “his Big Guy” Carl of Florida. Brothers Robert (Candy) Hannan of Texas, and David (Lynn)Hannan of Florida. He is also survived by his baby sister Kristie Hannan of Texas. Brother-in-law Jimmy Andrews of North Carolina, sister-in-law Carol (Bill) Andrus of Florida. Brother-in-laws Sam (Krissy) Andrews of Maryland and Carl Anderson of Texas and sister-in-law Bonnie Hannan of Illinois. He also leaves behind many family members and friends who will all miss him terribly.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m. from The Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Rob Longmire officiating. Internment will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola, Florida 32508. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Jim’s name to the eodwarriorfoundation.org.
You can share memories and offer condolences at brackneyfuneralservice.com
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Scott Sawyer
May 31, 2024, 3:28 pm
Thanks for your leadership of the USAF EOD program and the legacy of personal integrity and professional excellence that you left for those who followed. Rest well Chief.
Lesley DeVries
May 31, 2024, 3:37 pm
So sorry for your loss, Donna. You and your family are in my thought and prayers.
DANIEL BLAKE
May 31, 2024, 4:37 pm
So very sorry… Jim was a great person. One of the best supervisors I ever worked for.
Mitch Bolin
May 31, 2024, 5:23 pm
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I was fortunate enough to be stationed with Jim twice in my EOD career; he was my supervisor at Kadena. He was not only a great EOD Tech and leader but a good friend. You will be missed!
Todd M Kuikka
May 31, 2024, 6:06 pm
You were a shining example of leadership among the EOD community. Chief, I salute you and you will be missed. Rest easy.
Ronald Passmore
May 31, 2024, 6:07 pm
RIP my fellow comrade. Your leadership was an inspiration to all who served with you. EOD Family Always
Tim Callahan
May 31, 2024, 8:05 pm
So sorry to learn of the passing of a good friend and EOD brother. He served well and was a great American.
Shane Gilmore
May 31, 2024, 8:12 pm
Thanks for the Pepsi, Jim ! What better way to cure a “Nitro” headache !!! And the lessons that came with it, as my 1st exuding render safe, and I never forgot it, or… all the lessons that came afterwards. Thanks for everything, and blessings to Donna, and the family.
Michael Bradford
May 31, 2024, 8:18 pm
I knew Jim a long time. He always had a cooler of diet Pepsi by his desk. (I, personally, am following suit.). You will be missed, my friend.
Julio Morelos
May 31, 2024, 9:32 pm
My sincere Condolences to the family. Thank you Chief for your leadership and great things you did at the school house. Rest well my brother.
Rick and Barbara Dunbar
May 31, 2024, 11:10 pm
Rick and I were deeply sadden with your loss. Jim was a great person and I know he will be greatly missed.
Dennis houseknecht
June 1, 2024, 12:21 am
So sorry for this tremendous loss,way too young,WAY TOO YOUNG!
Mo Payes
June 1, 2024, 1:23 am
Fond memories of Jim riding his scooter to work everyday at Kadena AB, rain or shine. I think the toughest time he had at Kadena, besides being away from his family, was riding to work when it was cold. He’d be bundled up like there was a blizzard out there. The wife and I made deliveries of Pepsi to his dorm and the shop whenever there was a sale at the commissary. One of the best flight superintendents I’ve had the opportunity to work for in my EOD career. Still shocked to hear of his passing. My condolences and prayers go out to the Hannan ohana.
Bill Johnson
June 1, 2024, 1:35 am
Jim was a wonderful person and one of the finest tech’s to work with. Jim was a great team player always trying to help others and showing others he cared about others. He will be missed.
Mike Rowland
June 1, 2024, 1:36 am
Jim was one of kind not only a good tech but a great instructor and friend. He will be missed by all who ever work with him
Here a toast to you” Here’s to us and those like us and there is damn few of of us left.” May you rest in peace on the big EOD range in the here after.
David Martin
June 1, 2024, 3:13 am
Condolences and prayers for his family. Rest in Peace Chief, you touched a lot lives throughout your long career.
Marie McTiernan
June 3, 2024, 2:10 pm
So sorry to hear the news of your husband, Jim. Condolences and prayers to you and all the family. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Michael and Marie
The Healy Family
June 3, 2024, 7:04 pm
Our hearts are heavy to hear the sad news. We wish you peace and comfort with the deepest sympathies during this difficult time while you celebrate Jim
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The Healy Family
June 3, 2024, 7:46 pm
Our hearts are heavy while thinking of you during this difficult time celebrating Jim. We will fondly remember his family and service to the United States.
The Healy Family
June 3, 2024, 8:00 pm
Please avcept our heartfelt condolences. We hope you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared as you celebrate Jim.
Thank you for your service to the United States
Jose Reyes
June 4, 2024, 10:48 am
Condolences to you and the family. I was stationed Jim at Eglin in the 80s. He was one of the good guys. RIP Jim.
Douglas Adams
June 4, 2024, 5:07 pm
My deepest condolences to the family, this is sad news to me as Jim was one of my first EOD supervisors at Eglin AFB. I do remember his love for Pepsi and him having cases and cases stacked up in his home. Jim was a great person and it was a pleasure serving with him. Rest in peace Jim and God Bless.
Brianne Brady (Theofanous)
June 4, 2024, 10:24 pm
Many condolences to the Hannan family. I enjoyed the time I knew Mr Jim. His kindness will be sorely missed.
Timothy and Melissa King
June 5, 2024, 9:02 pm
Jim was a great leader, friend, father, husband, brother and uncle. I had the honor of serving with him in the AF and spending the last 18 years watching our grandchildren grow into young adults. Melissa and I send our condolences to you, Donna, your children, grandchildren, and all the other family members. Rest in Peace Jim and watch over our lovely Gavin King!
Wayne Martrildonno
June 6, 2024, 8:07 pm
My condolences to the Hannah family. In he short time I knew Jim we had some serious fun and serious training.
Dennis Askin
June 9, 2024, 5:54 pm
Sincere condolences to Jim’s family. He will be missed and was a great EOD leader. We had many conversations about how to improve the EOD field over a Pepsi. I am a Coke fan but drank my Pepsi out of my respect and friendship with Jim. God Bless him.
Greg Earley
June 27, 2024, 3:40 pm
A real shock to hear of the sudden passing of Jim. We were stationed together for many years at Eglin and shared many hours on the range. My condolences to Jim’s family and pray the God of love, the hope of Jesus Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit bring you and your family peace in the midst of sorrow.
Michael J Keeney, PhD
September 27, 2024, 8:18 pm
I just saw Jim’s name in the Hellbox times. Jim was a superb craftsman, an excellent leader, and a terrific guy. I am shocked and sad to hear that he has been taken from us far too soon. My condolences to his family.