James V. Hansen

James V. Hansen passed away on November 14, 2018, in Farmington, Utah.  He was 86.

He was born August 14, 1932, the youngest child of Sena C. Hansen and J. Vear Hansen.  He graduated from Stewart Training School, East High School, and the University of Utah.

He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served a mission to the Southern States under the excellent leadership of President Berkeley L. Bunker, a former U.S. Senator from Nevada.  He was bishop of the Farmington 2nd Ward and president of the Davis Stake.

He had a long and distinguished career in public service.  He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and entered politics when he was in his twenties.  He was on the Farmington City Council and then in the Utah Legislature, his last term as Speaker of the House.  He served 22 years in the United States House of Representatives and was the full Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and Ethics Committee.  He also served on the Armed Services Committee and the Intelligence Committee.

He often said how much he loved America and Utah and how much he appreciated the people of Utah for giving him the opportunity to serve.  He had great respect and admiration for anyone who would run for elective office, regardless of party.  He advised and mentored many people who were interested in politics and strongly maintained that public service was a noble profession. 

He told hilarious stories.  He enjoyed fly fishing, duck hunting, flying, tennis, basketball, and water-skiing.  He loved Lake Alice, Lake Powell, Bear Lake, and the National Parks.  He loved being outdoors with his family and friends.

He married the former Ann Burgoyne (the smartest thing he ever did) and had five children:  Susan (Mark) Callister, Joseph James (Amy) Hansen, David Burgoyne (Lorraine) Hansen, Paul William (Kristin Lang) Hansen, and Jennifer Hansen.  Jim and Ann have fourteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Carol (Steuart) Walther, Betty Jo (Ben) Armstrong, Dawn (Reed) Reeve, and Bonnie (Dean) Stephens.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the Farmington South Stake Center at 695 South 200 East, Farmington, Utah.  Prior to the service there will be a viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  at the stake center.  There will also be a viewing at Russon Mortuary, 1941 N. Main, Farmington, Utah, on Friday, November 23, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Interment will be at the Farmington City Cemetery, 500 South 200 East, Farmington, Utah.