James Clarance Hanley

September 12, 1950 - November 24, 2020

James C. Hanley, age 70, of Longview, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, November 24th after battling illness.Raised in Daingerfield, James graduated from Daingerfield High School, Kilgore College and Texas A&M - Texarkana with Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree. James worked at Lone Star Steel Company for over 30 years. After his career at Lone Star Steel, his careers continued at Morris County Probation Office, Hagemeyer North America and MSC Industrial Supply. Upon his retirement at 65, he had the most important and prestigious job of all...personal chauffeur for daughter, Maggie.James married the love of his life, Jane in 1997. Upon marriage, he became a second father to Jane's children, Angela and Jacob. The biggest thrill and what completed him was the birth of his daughter, Maggie in 1998.James had a love for poetry. He wrote a multitude of poems about family, friends and important events in his life and the world. He collaborated with son, Jacob and one of his best friends, Kevin Ferris to put music to some of his poems and made them wonderful songs. One of which, Forever as One, written for daughter Angela's wedding, and performed at the wedding by son, Jacob, Kevin and Blake Ferris and Mark and Miles Young. It was truly a special time for him. Having a heart for children, James loved when he was involved in buying Christmas gifts for children of employees at the steel mill, picking kids from the Salvation Army Angel Tree, and sponsoring several children through Food for the Hungry. James was blessed with friendships of many people over the years. Closest to his heart were his lifelong best friends, Margie Robertson, Don Spencer, and Ben Hay. James is survived by wife, Jane and daughter Maggie of Longview, son and daughter in law, Jacob and Kelly Rankin of Helotes, Texas, daughter and son in law, Angela and Peyton Leach of West Monroe, LA. Six wonderful grandchildren that called him "Poppi", Brayden and Briley Rankin and Jillian, Griffin, Gunnar, and Everlee Leach. Also, sisters Faye Hanley, Linda Hostetler, both of Paris, Tx and Jane Barnard of Johntown, Tx, as well as, many well-loved nieces and nephews. Last but surely not least, his beloved buddies, Shooter and Scout, his mini Yorkies. He was proceeded in death by his parents, W. A. (Cowboy) and Margaret (Marge) Hanley, sister, Irene Nation, brothers, Perry Hanley, Dee Carrington, and Carl Hanley.With heartfelt care and concern for family and friends, during this unprecedented time, a memorial service will be held at a later date. By James' request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Texas CASA, services for abused children or the American Cancer Society.Online condolences may be made at Nail-HaggardFH.com