James "Jim" Hanna, 86, of Ashland, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Leila (Sherman) Hanna of Holliston for 64 years. Born in Natick, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Flynn) Hanna.

Jim served his country honorably in the National Guard and went on to graduate Northeastern University in 1959.  He worked at RCA and General Electric as a government contract negotiator for his entire career. Jim loved to golf, travel, and was a proud participate of Ashland town politics and activities. He served the Ashland Community participating in various boards and committees, including the School Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and most recently the Ashland Historical Society.  He was also a host on the WACA tv show "Whats Really Going ON" which focused on town politics and current affairs.  Jim was an avid New England Patriots fan and will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, James F. Hanna and his wife Lenita, his daughters, Karen Lefter and her husband Gregg, Susan (Hanna) Thomas, Sharon McLean and her husband Bill, and Polly Martin and her husband Greg, 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, sister, Johanne Burns and her late husband Joseph, brother, Jerry Hanna and his wife Christy, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Peter S. Hanna in 1978.

A private graveside service will be held Friday Jan. 15 ^th at 11:00am in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.  Friends who would like to attend are asked to stand at a distance to comply with social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Ashland Historical Society, 2 Myrtle St. Ashland, MA  01721