J   Jim Hanson

James "Jim" Stuart Hanson, 71, of Midland, died early Sunday morning, Sept. 23, 2018, at MidMichigan Medical Center. He was born April 6, 1947, in Saginaw, the son of James H. and Hilda (Helwer) Hanson. Jim graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1965, General Motors Institute in 1970, and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit in 1975. He served as an attorney in the legal department at The Dow Chemical Co. from 1975 to 1998, and then began his own law practice in Midland, where he worked until his retirement in 2015. Jim was a member of the Midland County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan. On Oct. 19, 1968, he married his wife of 49 years, Susan Trier, in Saginaw. As a "car guy" from an early age, he participated in the Pinewood Derby as a Cub Scout and won the Saginaw County Soap Box Derby in 1962. He became involved in R/C car racing with his son Jamie and continued for many years. He enjoyed golf and was an avid racing and Michigan State sports fan as well. He especially loved time spent with his granddaughter, Samantha. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Melissa (Brian) Howell of Canton; son, James (Whitney) Hanson of Baltimore, Md.; granddaughter, Samantha Howell, studying at Purdue University; brother, John (Judy) Hanson; and his sister, Susan Holmes. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother-in-law, Paul Holmes. 

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at Ware Smith-Woolever-Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland. The Rev. John C. Pohanka will officiate with burial in Midland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider The ROCK Center for Youth Development in Midland, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Michigan Chapter, or a charity of the donor's choice.