Dr. James Edward Hanks, age 79, of Gadsden, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. James was born September 21, 1942. A visitaion for Dr. Hanks will be held Monday, January 3, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cross Creek Community Church, 4825 Old US 278 East, Hokes Bluff, AL 35903, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. Rev. Chris Walker, Rev. Jerry Starling, and Rev. Charles Smith will officiate. Burial with Military Rites will be at Crestwood Cemetery. Collier Butler will direct services. Dr. Hanks is a native and lifelong resident of Etowah County and a graduate of Hokes Bluff High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Jacksonville State University where he played football for Coach Don Salls. He received his US Army Commission from the Jacksonville State ROTC Program and served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1966-67 with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. He worked as an intelligence officer and aerial observer for the brigade flying more than 300 missions in the L-19 Bird Dog observation aircraft. After his Vietnam service Dr. Hanks returned to Gadsden and earned his Masters and Doctorate Degrees from the University of Alabama. He spent more than 20 years teaching and as Administrator of the University of Alabama Gadsden Center and Gadsden State Junior College. He served in the US Army Reserve for more than 26 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Simultaneous with his teaching and reserve duties Dr. Hanks and his wife Jessie operated Off Campus Book Store on George Wallace Drive supporting Gadsden State and Alabama Center Students needs. Dr. Hanks also built a shopping center in Hokes Bluff which to this day produces substantial revenue for the City of Hokes Bluff and provides needed services for the citizens. Dr. Hanks spent a large portion of his time supporting veterans and programs to meet their needs. He assisted numerous veterans with their claims preparation and presentation with the VA. He also initiated a program with his church to assist veterans at the Pell City Veterans Home. Dr. Hanks’s military awards include: Parachutist Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal , Vietnam Service Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Purple Heart, Air Medal and Bronze Star Medal. Dr. Hanks and his wife Jessie Hill Hanks have been married for more than 60 years. They have three sons Mike, Steven, and Brandon along with four grandchildren Taylor, Jackson, Lily, and Presley. They attend Cross Creek Community Church where they were founding members. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Hanks family.
