James 'Jim' H. Hankla of Pinckneyville

James "Jim" H. Hankla, 82, of Pinckneyville, passed away at 11:53 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018 at Pinckneyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Jim was born on Nov. 18, 1935 in Cobden, the son of Hiram Ulysses and Kathryn "Inez" (Puckett) Hankla. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Korean War and obtaining the rank of Seaman Recruit.

On March 5, 1955, he married Jeanette Lewis Ragsdale in De Soto, and she survives. He was a member of Roe's Dale Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, where he served as a deacon.

Jim worked as a welder and mechanic most of his life retiring from Arch of Illinois Captain Mine in 1994. He owned and operated Jim's Repair Shop for many years. He was a member of the U.M.W.A. and the N.R.A. and loved hunting, fishing and old-time gospel music.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Jeanette Hankla of Pinckneyville; three children: Debi (Jeff) Gresham of Dowell, Tim (Carla) Hankla of Stonington, and Steve (Kathy) Hankla of Pinckneyville; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Pat Crow.

Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home in Pinckneyville at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18 with Pastor Lee Valerius officiating. Interment will be in De Soto Cemetery with military graveside rites by Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504, Pinckneyville.

Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home on Saturday from 9 until 11 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.