James Fred Hanscom (Jim) died on April 25th of kidney failure, that he choose not to fight, and entered Chapter Eternal (Sigma Chi Chapter in heaven) and now finds comfort and peace with the Lord. Jim was a member of the First Methodist Church in Huntsville. He spent most of this adult life in Houston, Texas but lived in the Elkins Lake community since 2001. Jim was born October 27, 1939 in Port Arthur, TX to Fred and Gladys Hanscom, grew up in Orange, Texas and graduated from Stark High in 1958. He went to Sam Houston State University and graduated in 1962 with a BBA. Later, he got a MBA from Pepperdine University. Jim married Sandra Dillon, his wife of 58 years, his senior year at Sam. She was very supportive in business and had a major impact on his life and career. She successfully raised their two sons and was always a great person to consult on personal and business decisions. As he said many times “she was always on his mind” and she always made him proud. He loved her very much.
Jim and Sandra loved to travel. Together they took more than 30 cruises and visited over 50 countries. Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra, his 2 sons, Randy and Rick, their wives, Michelle and Staci, and 5 grandchildren, Madison, Meredith, Rhett, Bailey and Hannah. Jim loved his family.
He was proud of his relationship with his university. Jim and Sandra had season tickets to many events and supported the “Champion Fund”. He was on the alumni association board for many years and was President in 2005. He received the “Service Award”, which is the highest award given by the University for service. He was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He pledged in college but this commitment actually turned out be a lifelong experience. He was very active as an alumnus and was a Life Long Sig. He was on his chapter house committee for 15 years and served as President for 3 years. He received his chapters “Alpha Award”, which is the highest award given for service. Jim was most proud that two sons, Randy and Rick became Sigma Chi’s at Auburn University. He pinned both and both are Life Loyal Sig’s.
Career wise, Jim made the decision early to get into the safety equipment distribution business. Almost straight out of college, he went to work for a small regional company, Guardian Safety, later to become Vallen Safety. He worked his way up and, as President, led the company to become the largest safety distributer in America. In 1979, Jim left Vallen to acquire Safety Engineering and Supply Company in Alabama. He built the company and, in 1989, sold it to a Fortune 500 company, and moved back to Texas.
As was his way, Jim didn’t want a public service or memorial after his death but requested his family have a private celebration of life at a later date.
If you would like to make a donation to First United Methodist Church Building Fund that would be appreciated.
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