James Allan Hansen
November 25, 1939 - January 26, 2010
Biography
James Allan Hansen, age 70, of Peoria, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Methodist Medical Center.
Jim was born on November 25, 1939 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Allan George and Margaret (Loberg) Hansen. He married Angeline Austad on September 8, 1962 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Jim is survived by his wife; four children, Eric (Celeste) Hansen of Tremont, Illinois, Jeffrey (Debra) Hansen of Bolingbrook, Christina Kerley of Peoria, Illinois and Allan (Rebecca) Hansen of Dunlap, Illinois; 10 grandchildren, Lauren, Lukas, Amanda, Abigail, Nicholas, Michael, Jessica, Lilyanna, Owen, and Bret; one sister, Lois (Gerald) Herndon of Seattle, Washington; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, and numerous aunts and uncles.
Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and sculpture from the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1962. He was awarded a scholarship to attend Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where he studied under Mija Grottell and graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics in 1964.
Jim’s life work began in the early 1950’s when he took Saturday art classes at Layton. At the age of 13, he became a student and later an apprentice of Abe Cohen, a prominent potter still working in Door County, Wisconsin. While studying art at Layton, Jim established a successful pottery studio in Milwaukee. After graduation from Cranbrook, Jim was hired as an instructor of Fine Arts at Bradley University. Jim served as the Director of the School of Art in 1977 and 1994. During his career James developed and taught lecture courses that addressed two and three-Dimensional Creative processes for non-art majors, numerous drawing courses, and ceramics. He retired as an Associate Professor from Bradley University in 2005 after a 41year career. While at Bradley he was involved with many activities and honors including, being selected to judge the National Scholastic Art Awards Program in New York in 1977. He served as Regional Director of the Scholastic Fine Arts program for many years. He also served as Chairman for the Universities Commencement programs, served two terms as President of the local chapter of AAUP, served on multiple University standing committees, was a member of the University’s Council of Deans and Directors, and was a member of the College of Communications and Fine Arts Executive Council. Jim has exhibited his work in many regional and national exhibitions. His ceramics are in the private and public collections throughout the United States and other countries. Jim was a potter and a teacher and his life’s work will be carried forward by his many students.
Jim’s involvement in the Peoria community was inspirational to many. He served two terms as President of the Peoria Art Guild and a Director for many more, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Peoria where he inspired and led the creation of the annual Fine Arts Show held each spring at the church. He was a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts in New York, and the Smithsonian Institute. He served Boy Scout Troop 200 as their District Representative and coached for the Limestone Youth Soccer program for over 15 years. Jim’s architectural sculptures can be seen in Peoria at OSF Hospital, Saint Peters Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church, and the Youth Farm.
Visitation will be held on Sunday January 31, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Peoria, with Funeral services immediately following. Rev. Cathy Clark will be officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Fine Arts Show or Bradley University. Arrangements made by Richard S. Wilton through Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.cumerford.com.
Facts
Born: November 25, 1939
Death: January 26, 2010
Place of Death: Methodist Medical Center
Occupation: Professor
Guestbook
Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.
