James “Jim” E. Hanawalt
James “Jim” E. Hanawalt ’65, 77, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at his home. He was the husband of Linda Hanawalt.
James E. Hanawalt, 77, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
Jim was born in Harrisburg to the late Albert and Patricia Hanawalt. He was a proud graduate of Milton Hershey School, Pennsylvania State University, and St. Francis University. He spent his entire 37 year career in Human Resources at the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. He was a US Army Veteran having served in the Vietnam War.
Jim was an active member of the Lower Paxton community where he founded and led for 22 years the Paxtonia Basketball Association (PBA) which expanded into the Central Dauphin Area Paxtonia Basketball Association (CDAPBA). Jim served thousands of youth promoting basketball skills, life skills and sportsmanship. Jim was also a PIAA basketball official for many years. Jim loved to serve others, and was recognized for his community service by Lower Paxton Township, Milton Hershey School, and Dauphin County Bar Association.
Jim was an avid Penn State fan and lover of all sports. He enjoyed watching and following his grandchildren’s activities. In fact, he enjoyed supporting all students and athletes. He was a member of St. Thomas UCC having served in many leadership roles. He was also actively engaged in conference wide committees throughout Penn Central Conference. He loved the Hartman Center Church Camp where he took his grandchildren beginning at young ages to summer family camps. He continued leading week long basketball themed camps for middle and high school campers. He was an active life member of the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association and its Harrisburg Chapter where he served as President and led various committees.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Linda; daughter and son-in-law, Christina (Tina) and Evan Ulrey; son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Christina Hanawalt; grandchildren Gannon, Clayton, Parker, Miranda, Hudson, and Finley; brother and sister-in-law, John and Patti Hanawalt; sister Patricia Hanawalt; and sister- and brother-in-law, Leslie and Gary Herbst and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Susan.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 11am at the Faith United Church of Christ, 117 North Faith Road, Grantville. Visitation will be held Friday evening, July 26th from 6:00-8:00pm and then Saturday morning 9:30am-10:45am. A private internment will take place at Indiantown Gap.
Memorial donations can be sent to Milton Hershey Alumni Association Office, PO Box 830, Hershey, PA 17033 to establish a scholarship fund in Jim’s name, or donations can be made to a Veteran’s organization of choice.
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