James Robert Hanna's Obituary
James Robert “Bud” Hanna began his eternal life on April 30, 2024, in Argenta, IL after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim. 4:7 He was born on April 26, 1970, in Decatur, IL to William “Bill” and Annette Hanna and married Diane Camp on November 4, 1995. Together they raised two great kids, Halie Morgan, and Nicholas William. He was preceded in death by his parents and Father-in-Law, Leroy Camp. He is survived by his wife and children, sister Brenda (George) Booker, stepmother Nancy Hanna, Mother in-law Marita Camp, brothers in law Kevin Camp and David Camp and nieces and nephew, Brittany, Tristan, Chandra, and Sarah. He also leaves behind his loyal companion Boty. In his professional life, Bud drove for K’s Merchandise for over 15 years, hauled fuel for Casey’s Services and PetroTech and was also an owner operator. He served as a Trustee for the Village of Argenta and helped several friends farm. As a kid, Bud would ride his bicycle to the fairgrounds everyday with his dog Butch following behind, to work in the family Standardbred horse racing stable. He learned valuable skills there and helped maintain the racetrack from an early age. As an adult, he volunteered his services doing the same thing alongside his son as well as training and racing several successful horses. The fairground was where his art of storytelling no doubt began-and Bud loved a good story. He could paint a scene with voices and animation like no other and here he developed friendships that lasted his lifetime. Bud had a passion for farm machinery, especially antique tractors. He could talk endlessly about any model. He enjoyed helping his friends repair equipment they would drag up the drive to his pole barn where he loved to spend time tinkering. His dedication to bringing old machinery back to life was a testament to his tenacity and love for challenges. Bud was a man of integrity and dependability and believed in doing something right or not at all. He was an old soul; practical and intelligent and often said he was born in the wrong generation but was beloved by people of all ages. He was always ready for backyard chats, smash burgers and homemade ice cream with friends and neighbors. He was the grill master, smoker king and Sunday morning pancake maker. Bud was a devoted husband and father and passed on his knowledge and love of tractors to Nick, his level headedness to Halie; and instilled in both, an amazing work ethic and beautiful blue eyes. He was the rock of the family, always making them feel safe and cared for. Bud was a million little things that added up to a one-of-a-kind man. His presence filled the room with a contagious laugh and infectious smile and his legacy of love, hard work and devotion will forever be missed. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible nurses in infusion, radiation and at OCC for their unparalleled care and kindness during Bud’s battle. In honor of his memory, please consider lifesaving blood and platelet donations via Impact Life, https://www.bloodcenter.org/donate/ The Heller Center for Kids with Cancer, https://x.osfhealthcare.org/foundation/donate-now or St. Jude’s, https://www.stjude.org/ A celebration of Bud’s life will be held on Saturday, May 25th from 4-6p at the Pride of the Prairie Building, Macon County Fairgrounds, Decatur.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Homes at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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