James Robert Hanson, who sold advertising for several Madison-area newspapers, died Friday, Feb. 12, at his home in Middleton. He was 86.
Born in the mid-1930s in Tomahawk, Hanson was the oldest son of Robert and Imogene Hanson. He grew up working in the family sign painting business and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
Hanson graduated from UW-Madison, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism and met his future wife, Myrna. They were married in 1960 and had two sons, James and John, and three grandchildren.
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The couple settled in the Madison area and Hanson worked in advertising sales for several newspapers. He spent time selling ads for the Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Times and the Middleton Times-Tribune, among others.
A memorial service will be planned for this summer. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Hanson’s name may donate to the charity of their choice or to the UW Foundation.
