James H. Hanna, Jr., 74, formerly of East Montpelier, currently of Freedom Drive, died Sunday, December 21, 2008 at his home. He was born on July 13, 1934, the son of J. Howard Sr. and Calista (Pecue) Hanna in Vergennes, VT. He attended the Post Ash Bay Elementary School and graduated co-valedictorian from Vergennes High School in 1951. He later received a B.S. in Administration from Johnson State College and a Masters of Science in Administration from St. Michael's college. In October of 1952, he enlisted in the US Navel Reserve, was activated and sent to Japan. In 1956 he enlisted in the Regular Navy and served until his discharge in October 1961. Then in 1967, Jim join the Vermont Air National Guard and after serving 21 years was discharged in April 1988. On a weekend trip home from the Navy, he met Lois Ann Campbell in Newport, RI. They were married on April 18, 1958 in Boston, MA. She predeceased him on December 9, 2004 after a long battle with Pick's Disease. After Lois's passing, he married the second love of his life, Ella May Speer, who survives him. Although Jim had several jobs, most of his career was spent with the Department of Transportation. After 30 years, he retired from the State of Vermont on May 1, 1996. Jim was an active member of his community and volunteered his time with Central Vermont Alzhiemers Support Group, Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, and Home Share of Central Vermont. He was also a Free & Accepted Mason, member of the Old Meeting House Church in East Montpelier and was a volunteer for Washington County 4H. Survivors include his wife, Ella May of Montpelier; son, Steven W. Hanna of Barre, VT; daughter, Karen L. H. Allen of Williston, VT; sister, Margaret H. Coe, of Middlebury, CT; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. A Memorial service will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 3, 2008 at the Old Meeting House Church in East Montpelier Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road-Berlin, Barre, VT 05641 or to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, P.O. Box 38, Lake Elmore, VT 05657.