James "Jim" Hanifin Sr.

April 3, 1930 - February 14, 2020

James "Jim" Louis Hanifin, Sr., a resident of Broken Arrow, passed away February 14, 2020 at the age of 89. He was born April 3, 1930 to Paul Conrad Hanifin and Mary Pauline Hanifin in Ronceverte, West Virginia. He played football for Greenbrier High School and attended Greenbrier Military School. He joined the Air Force in the early 1950's and served as an instrument instructor in T38 and T37's. His highest achievement was Air Force Commendation Medal. His superior officer in Illinois and Mississippi (Sgt. Carpenter) had said that no one deserved the Air Force Commendation Medal, but ended up putting him in for that medal. He retired as a TSGT. after 20 years. He married Jean Robertson on February 12, 1955. He retired from Ford Glass Plant after 20 years, also known as "Sarge" there. He loved dogs, especially bulldogs. He prided himself in teaching people to waterski and loved dancing, Cedlidh (scottish) dancing and square dancing and loved Big Band era music. He and his wife were in a Celidh Dance Group that performed at Octoberfest and Mayfest in Tulsa. He was preceded in death by parents, Paul C. Hanifin and Pauline Camper Hanifin and sister, Ellen Phillips. Survivors include wife, Jean Delana Robertson Hanifin; his sister, Margaret Hanifin Crosier and her children and their children; daughter, Margaret Alice Hanifin Langer and husband, Steven D. Langer; daughter, Susan Hanifin Rodriguez and husband, Edward L. Rodriguez; twin sons, Gregory Allen Hanifin and other son; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren and her sister Ellen Phillips children and grandchildren.