James W. "Jim" Hancher

James W. “Jim” Hancher, 87, of Washington, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 17, 2024, in Donnell House, Washington, with his four children at his bedside. He was born in Washington on October 3, 1936, a son of the late Harry and Wilma Hancher. Jim was the husband of the late Marlene Ferralli Hancher, with whom he was married 63 years, until her death in 2020. He leaves behind four children, son Mark (Rhonda) Hancher of Washington, daughter Marla (Joe) Nicolella of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, son Matt (Lisa) Hancher and son Mitch (Erin) Hancher, both of Washington; six grandchildren, Katie (Michael) Garner, Jamie (Jordan) Leichty, Jake (Emily) Nicolella, Paige Hancher, Matt (Laura) Hancher and Nick (Becca) Hancher; nine great-grandchildren, Matthew and James Hancher, Farryn and Lenna Garner, Asher, Judah and Selah Leichty, Giaco Nicolella and Indigo Hancher; a brother, Harry (Helen) Hancher of Jacksonville, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to his parents and wife, is a sister, Shirley Barber. For 37 years, Jim worked at the Jessop Steel Company in Washington, retiring from the electric furnace in 1994. While at Jessop, he proudly served on the safety committee. He was also devoted to organizing the Jessop Club Christmas party for individuals with special needs. Jim was instrumental in acquiring funds and donations for the gifts and refreshments for the annual event in Washington. In retirement, he could sometimes be found lending a hand at the Tower Driving Range and Amish Touch in Washington. Jim was a man of many interests and was always on the go, literally. He attended a variety of live events. Several concerts, NASCAR races, PGA tournaments, and musicals were among the most memorable ones he attended. He also rarely missed an activity his grandchildren participated in. A football player at Trinity High School, Jim and his childhood friends Gene and Jerry Ault coached Hayes Avenue in the Brownson House midget football league for many years. He was an avid golfer throughout his life, and for several years organized an annual trip to Pinehurst, North Carolina, for over 20 of his golfing buddies. It was on one of those trips that he had a hole-in-one on the island green at The Pit. He was an equally avid runner and participated in races of all distances, including 26 marathons. Among his favorite races were the Disney World Marathon and the Pikes Peak Challenge half-marathon. In 2002, Jim was selected as a torchbearer for a portion of the route the Olympic Torch took as it passed through Washington on its way to Salt Lake City, Utah. A member of the Washington County Roadrunners' Club, he logged over 20,000 miles as a runner. He found motivation in a quote on a poster he had in his home, "The race is not always to the swift but to those who keep on running.” Another passion of Jim’s was traveling. He and Marlene made twice-yearly trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They also went on many trips throughout the United States, including a challenging hike to the base of the Grand Canyon and back. Among the most thrilling trips the couple made were an Alaskan cruise and a cruise to Nova Scotia. On all their trips he came back with countless anecdotes and memories. In his later years, he enjoyed extended visits to Lancaster County. If you asked him what he was up to, Jim would likely reply, "Just tinkering around." His "tinkering around" often involved some type of building. Whether it was large projects like a home addition and decks or smaller ones like wooden toys for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, birdhouses, shelves, or benches, he enjoyed working with his hands. He made his own puzzle board with drawers to use for another of his hobbies, building puzzles. He never once forgot to make sure each member of his family had thoughtful birthday and Christmas presents as well as special treats for everyone in his family on Valentine's Day. And when it came to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he would sit with and take a special interest in each one. He had the knack of remembering certain aspects of their individual personalities and interests. He also enjoyed spending time with his grand-dog Stella. They all in turn loved their "Pappie." Jim's loyalty, perseverance, work-ethic, respect, sense of humor, and love will be deeply missed but will be carried on like a torch by his loved ones for all the miles that lie ahead. Family and friends will be received from 9 to 10 a.m., the hour of service, Friday, September 20, 2024, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Father Michael Peck officiating. Burial will be held in Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the ARC of Washington.