James Edwin Hankel

James Edwin Hankel, 80, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on Jan. 18 after a battle with COVID-19. Jim was born March 26, 1940, to Alfred and Olive Hankel in St. Helens, OR. When Jim was 2, the family moved to Vancouver. Jim grew up in the "Fourth Plain Village" section of Vancouver with a close group of friends who he remained close with for 70 years. He attended John Rogers Elementary, Lewis Junior High and graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1958. After graduation, Jim joined the Army. He was posted to numerous places like Alaska, where he experienced the Great Alaskan earthquake in 1964, and the Presidio in San Francisco. Jim also served in the Vietnam War from December 1965-January 1967. After leaving the Army, Jim attended cooking school in Seattle. Jim and Gail (nee Jacobson) married in 1971, and eventually moved back to Vancouver where they went on to have a daughter, Julie, and son, Gregory. In Vancouver, Jim worked as a laundry supervisor at the VA Medical Center until his retirement. Jim was just a really great guy, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Julie Christian (Aaron), Greg Hankel (Tristan) and grandchildren, Evan and Connor Christian, Cameron Williams and Grace Hankel. Jim always tried his best to support them in whatever way he could. When his kids were growing up, he wouldn't miss a concert or sporting event for anything in the world. Jim was also a passionate volunteer at the VA Medical Center helping out with visually impaired veterans. Anyone who knew Jim knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Olive Hankel. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Gail; children, Julie and Greg; grandchildren, Cameron, Evan, Connor and Grace; as well as his sister Elaine Laintz (Ed). There will be a celebration of life for Jim later in the summer. Any memorial donations in Jim's name can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

James Edwin Hankel

March 26, 1940 - January 18, 2021