James H. "Chief" Hanna
May 13, 1931 ~ December 20, 2012
James H. "Chief" Hanna, 81, of Weirton passed away Thursday, December 20, 2012 in the Weirton Geriatric Center. Born May 13, 1931 in Parkersburg, WV he was the son of the late John H. and Ruby C. Stout Hanna. He was also preceded in death by his wife Dana M. Imm Hanna in 1999, a daughter Tammy L. Hanna in 1998, a brother Robert Stout and a great-granddaughter Hanna Mae Peppler.
Mr. Hanna was a 1950 graduate of Weir High School and attended the University of Kentucky on a scholarship for football and played under Bear Bryant. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed by the Weirton Steel Corporation for 31 years as supervisor of the trucking department. "Chief" was an avid sports fan having scouted for the Pittsburgh Pirates, coached the American Legion Baseball Team and Weir High Baseball Team. Mr. Hanna along with Mr. Carl Hamill organized the Midget Football Leagues here in Weirton. He also played professional baseball with the Cincinnati Farm Team and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "Chief" was a member of the Cove United Presbyterian Church, Evert Maki American Legion Post 10, and VFW #2716.
Mr. Hanna is survived by two daughters Lori Hanna Allen and Marcy Hanna Hemshrodt both of Weirton; six grandchildren Shane McGrogan, Mickey McGrogan, Chad Peppler, Cory Peppler, Carly Allen, Danika Allen and three great-grandchildren Katie McGrogan, Riley McGrogan and Destiny Peppler.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 29, 2012 at 11:00am from the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main St. Weirton. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1-4pm & 6-9pm at the funeral home. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens where Military Services will be conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cove United Presbyterian Church, 3404 Main St. Weirton, WV 26062 in his memory.
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Family of Jim Hanna, Sorry to learn of the loss of your Dad He was Mr Weir High He Played for our DAD and won two championships in the same year and just missed a third. He was our moms favorite athlete . He and his wife never missed a chance to visit our mom and dad. We will never forget him . Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. sincerely, Carl and Jerry Hamill
Jim was really a nice guy. When I was young boy Jim word at the Community Center, and he would tell us all about what he did in sports at Weir Hi and showed us some old game films he had, and I rememeber him playing basketball in the city league and his team won almost every year. He them move into my neighborhood in Cove Valley he was 50 then and still like to play basketball on the corner.
Marcy: we are saddened to hear of your father’s passing. our thoughts and prayers are sent to you.
Lori, Marcy, and family I am so sorry for your loss, you have my deepest condolences. Your father was a good man.
My deepest condolences to the Hanna family. Coach Hanna was my “first” baseball and football coach. He taught me how to pitch and later in life told me he did me a injustice by making me play end in junior high school. (smile) I visited Jim and Bob Rossell while in Weirton last year. Two of my favorite people in life. Thank you Jim!
Jim(Gramps) is one of the greatest people the world has ever known. All those whom ever had the honor of knowing him, will agree that they were blessed. Gramps never had an ill word to say about anyone, and he would give the shirt off his back, if he knew you needed it. He was there for everyone. Friend, family, and strangers alike, never turning his back on anyone. This world has lost one of “Great” ones, and I will miss him dearly. I am honored and blessed to have known this man, and I will forever hold the memory of him in my heart.
Marcy and family,My heart felt symphony is with the Hanna family at this time. The loss of your dad and grandfather is a very sad thing yet he is now in the house of the lord no more pain or suffering but at everlasting peace forever. God be with you all at this time and always. Love and prayers to you all
To the Hanna family, I lived right across the street from the Community Center, and most of my fondest memories growing up in Weirton were the many, many hours spent at the Center, where I used to play H-O-R-S-E with Jim for milkshakes from the snackbar. In the unlikely case that I would win, he would always pay up, but I rarely had to hold up my end of the bargain. I treasure the time I got to spend with one of the greatest athletes to ever come out of Weir High. My deepest sympathy is extended to all of you. Sincerely,
To the Hanna Family I am deeply saddened by your loss. Coach Hanna was a great human being and a humble man. He coached me in Post 10 American Legion Baseball and took my hitting and fielding skills to the next level which I still use playing softball 30 plus years later but more importantly he was my friend. When we would run into each other Coach Hanna still remembered my name even decades later. Sometimes we would talk baseball but always talked about our families. Two weeks ago I came across my Post 10 team picture from 1980 and boy did I have a nice smile on my face and lots of fond memories of Coach Hanna and my old teammates. God Bless Coach Hanna.
Coach Hannah will forever be linked with Weirton athletics. As a player and as a coach he touched so many lives, including mine. I will cherish always the memory of our talks after Legion ball games. Win or lose, coach always had time for a young sports writer. Prayers for his family at this time. Thanks coach, for all you did for Weirton sports in your wonderful lifetime.
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing, but I know your Mom and Sister are smiling.
A good friend.
Mr Hanna grew up next to my dad Tom Lewis and my Uncle Bud Lewis. My mom Mary Jane Gallagher Lewis has fond memories of Jim and Dana. The Lewis Family expresses their deepest sympathy.