James L. Hannon

God gave us a beautiful gift and his name was James L. Hannon. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 27, 2024, following a sudden illness. 

Jim was a kind-hearted man who loved his family and friends. He spent much of his life serving the community through the fire department and the school system. He was an avid Seahawks & UW Husky fan who always had a kind word and a smile for those around him. 

James was born on March 30, 1946, in Seattle, Washington. He was the oldest child of Rhea and Walter Hannon who later had four more children, Cathy, Mark, Walt, and David. 

He was raised on Bainbridge Island, Washington where he graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1965. He continued to Bates Vocational School for fire service training. His first job as a firefighter was with Parkland Fire Department where he worked before enlisting in the United States Air Force from 1967-1971. He served as a Sergeant in the Vietnam War. Though he spoke little of the horrors of war, he was greatly affected by his time in Vietnam. 

James was blessed with one beautiful daughter, Shannon, from a previous marriage. In 1987, he married the love of his life, Lottie Hannon, and with this marriage, he happily gained three daughters: Michelle, Jodi, and Krystina. 

He spent most of his career in the fire service, a field in which he faithfully served the community. He took pride in his work and served as a volunteer with the Bainbridge Fire Department for 28 years (while working at the Subbase Bangor base) alongside his brothers and friends. After retiring from the Subbase Bangor Fire Department after 26 years, he could not sit still and took a job with the Bainbridge Island School District as a custodian for Blakely Elementary School. He loved serving the students and staff at the school, giving high-fives and "happy day" greetings to all. In life and work, he always strived to make the days of others a little easier and a little brighter. He was a kind-hearted man and treated all those he encountered with warmth and respect. 

He is predeceased by his parents. James is survived by his loving wife, Lottie Hannon, siblings Cathy Hannon, Mark Hannon (Heidi), Walt Hannon (Jan), and David Hannon (Val), his daughters; Shannon Wilkins (Brian), Michelle Battle, Jodi Rigney (Shelley) and Krystina DeMaio (Joe). Also missing him are his six grandchildren: Branden Rigney (Mikayla), Bailey VanDusen, Keagan VanDusen, Michael Battle, Ellie Wilkins, and Henry Wilkins as well as many cousins, nieces/nephews. 

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the honor of getting to know him. How lucky are we to have had someone that makes saying goodbye so hard. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 30, 2025, @ the Blakely Elementary School. 

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bainbridge Island Volunteer Firefighters Association or Blakely School PTA.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.