June 25, 1933 - September 30, 2021
James (Jim) Joseph Hanifer, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 30, 2021, in his home at Sunrise Villa Tuckahoe, Richmond VA surrounded by his family. He was born on June 25, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York to James F. Hanifer and Irene Loney Hanifer. Jim had fought the great fight of prostate cancer for over 25 years and in his later years leukemia as well. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Sunrise Tuckahoe Villa and James River Hospice for the love and care they provided for our father in his final years.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary (Betty) Hanifer and his children: James M. Hanifer (Laurie), Thomas J. Hanifer (Stacey), Margaret M. Hanifer, Mary Beth Hanifer, Patricia A. Green (Josh); grandchildren: Crystal L. Lambert (Jeremy), Robert M. Hanifer (Renee), David E. Hanifer, Caden D, Green; great grandchildren: Charlotte and Annabelle Lambert, Gabriel and Alexis Hanifer, Aurella Hanifer; sister: Patricia Carufe, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents (James F. Hanifer and Irene Loney Hanifer) sister (Marie Harlow) and brother (Thomas Hanifer).
Jim married Betty in 1958 in Valhalla, New York. Their 63rd anniversary is this November, Jim was a family man of exemplary faith, positive attitude, and service. He showed compassion and the true meaning of friendship to anyone he knew.
His passions were his family, faith, work, fire service, love of dogs and volunteer service with cancer patients.
A born patriot, Jim was proud to serve in a variety of roles during his time in the United States Army (Combat Weapons Instructor, Machine Gun Jeep Driver, Chaplain Assistant, Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor).
Jim enjoyed a 42-year career in the insurance business as a Senior Commercial Property Claims Adjuster. As a global adjuster, Jim covered disasters across the United States, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Europe and South America. Most notably he provided his clients outstanding support during Hurricane Hugo, the North Ridge California Earthquake and numerous railroad derailments throughout the United States.
As Jim looked back on his adult life, he believed he was destined to volunteer for worthy causes. Jim was a devoted advocate for the mentally disabled and served four years as the state of New York’s Chapter President for The ARC (human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities). Jim had a genuine love for all of mankind and wanted to help all he met. This is clearly demonstrated by his many volunteer initiatives:
35 years with the Church of the Epiphany as a Eucharistic Minister who brought communion to nursing homes and shut-ins
20 years with the Old Dominion Historical Fire Society
18 years with the Johnston Willis Hospital Hawthorne Cancer Center
10 years Midlothian YMCA Livestrong Support Group
8 years as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Rockville Center, New York
8 years as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Ossining, New York
8 years with the McGuire Veterans hospital Cancer Infusion Center
7 years with the America Cancer Society where he trained volunteers, visited, and counseled newly diagnosed cancer patients, numerous public speaking engagements and led the Prostate Cancer Support Group
Jim’s favorite sports were baseball and football. Jim was a bit of a historian and loved to keep people connected through stories, pictures, and videos, while sharing his positive outlook on life. A day was not complete without an email or social media post to share the most recent events, or moment of reflection. Ever the people person, Jim was the Social Director for his former co-workers, Midlothian YMCA Livestrong support group and most recently the Sunrise Villa community. Jim always strived to bring communities together.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to the Midlothian YMCA, The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation or Church of the Epiphany.
Online condolences may be made at www.woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com
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