Jimmie Karl Hannah, 78, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on March 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on October 3, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas, Jim was a proud lifelong Wyandotte County resident. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1965 and subsequently served in the U.S. Navy, receiving an honorable discharge in 1967. In May 1970, Jim began a long and dedicated career at the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) in Kansas City, Kansas, where he held various positions, ultimately retiring as Superintendent of Transportation in 2004.
On June 6, 1970, Jim married Claudia White at Trinity United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Kansas. In Jim’s words, they were married for 54 “glorious years”.
Jim was a man of many passions and talents. His 'Wabash Cannonball' ringtone and his extensive purple wardrobe were clear indicators of his allegiance to Kansas State University. He also spent many years competing in BBQ contests, under the team name “Dyin’ to Smoke”. The friendships created during this time continued long after retiring from competitions, with a small group of friends referred to as the “Breakfast Flakes”. The “Flakes” met every Saturday morning for breakfast for over 30 years up until his passing. After retirement, Jim was able to indulge in his favorite hobby of fishing at the lake behind the house. He also loved bird watching, adding new bird feeders around the yard year after year.
Jim loved coaching and volunteering for any job to support his kids in their activities. Once his grandchildren began their activities, he made attending them a priority.
Deeply involved in his community, Jim was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Wyandotte Masonic Lodge #3 (served as past Master for Delaware Lodge), and proudly cooked breakfast weekly at the Lodge for over 20 years. He was a graduate of the second class of Leadership 2000, an instructor for CPR and First Aid for the American Red Cross and served on the boards of the American Red Cross, United Way, and YMCA, receiving numerous awards for his service.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Maxine Hannah.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia Hannah; his children, Scott (Stacie) Hannah of Victoria, Minnesota, Brian (Tracey) Hannah of Basehor, Kansas, and Amy (Jon) Sides of Burlington, Kansas; and his grandchildren, Hayden, Josie, Hannah, Charlie, and Ashley; his siblings Ed (Diane) Hannah, Sandy Harding and Sheila Hannah. and his brother-in-law, Allan White (Marlene).
Visitation will be held Friday, March 7th at 9:30am – 11am at Basehor United Methodist, 18660 158th Street, Basehor, KS. Celebration of Life services will be held at 11am, starting with the Masonic Ceremony. A private graveside service will be held for the family immediately following the services.
Condolences may be expressed at www.porterfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Porter Funeral Home & Crematory.
Memorial donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to Wesley United Methodist Church, 632 N. 32nd Street, Kansas City, KS, 66102.