James "Jim" Albert Hanifen, longtime resident of Mexico, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2021. At 94 years old, his life was full of adventure and took him to many exciting places throughout the world. He made a lifetime of memories. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Visitation is at Arnold Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 20, from 5-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Brendan Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal, Missouri. The family requests masks to be worn.

Jim was born on August 5, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, to Glen Hanifen and Anna Marshke. He would later become a big brother to Robert and Howard. Around 11 years old, he spent whole summers on his uncle's farm in Wisconsin, helping work the land and learning the value of a job well done. A bit mischievous in his younger days and always up for a laugh, Jim and a couple buddies tried out for the cheer squad in high school on a dare — and made it. He kept at it for two years, plus played basketball, baseball and managed the football team.

He served in the United States Navy from May 1945 to July 1946, and again from October 1950 to March 1952. Assigned to the secretive radar gang, he worked with the developing technology to help be the eyes of the ship and track enemy movements.

In the late 1940s, Jim met the love of his life, Jeanette Montgomery, in the Trust Records Department at the Continental Illinois Bank Building in Chicago. They were married in a casual ceremony in the priest's living room on June 17, 1950, and were blessed with three children: James Gregory, Christine and Kathleen. Downers Grove, Illinois, became their home base for the next four decades. When Jim began working for Swift and Company later in his career, he often traveled for work, giving his family the opportunity to go on some great vacations together. They traveled all over the U.S., including California, New Mexico, the Badlands and Mount Rushmore. After Jim retired, he and Jeanette trekked to the United Kingdom three times, visiting centuries-old castles and landmarks, and enjoying the local culture. When they weren't traveling, they could almost always be found cheering on their grandkids during one of their many extracurricular activities.

Jim and Jeanette moved from the Chicago suburbs to Missouri in 1995. Arthur Hills Golf Course became like a second home in Jim's retirement. He was always there with his buddies or helping his grandson perfect his golf game. He was an avid sports fan of pretty much everything, but his Chicago teams held a special place in his heart. It wasn't unlike him to mix-and-match a Chicago Cubs shirt with a St. Louis Cardinals ball cap for fun, much to the annoyance of fans on both sides!

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and brothers. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 71 years, Jeanette (Montgomery) Hanifen; three children: James Gregory "Greg" Hanifen (Patti), Christine (David) Johnson and Kathleen (Cliff) Gronauer; four grandchildren: Carrie (Mike) Sesterhenn, Emily (Jason) DelSoldato, Andrew (Tara) Gronauer and Amy (Kevin) Martens; two step-grandchildren: Anna (Kevin) Kelly and Jane Snyder; six great-grandchildren: Reece, Brett, Elaina, Hudson, Alyssa and Everett; brother-in-law Richard Tegmeyer and sister-in-law Elaine Montgomery; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Arthur Hills Golf Course, Mexico Veterans Home or a charity of your choice. All may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.