William James Hansen

William James Hansen, age 75, of Gulfport, died Monday, December 15, 2008 at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Biloxi. Mr. Hansen was a native of Los Angeles, California and had been a resident of Gulfport for the past 40 years. Mr. Hansen was a beloved husband, son, father, and grandfather. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force, during which time he was stationed in California, Wyoming, and Japan. Mr. Hansen worked for many years in retail management for stores including Gayfer's in Pensacola, Mobile, and Biloxi; Godchaux's in Biloxi; and Maison Blanche in New Orleans. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Gulfport. He enjoyed his family, camping with his grandchildren, sailing with his son, family trips to the mountains and yearly visits to Charleston, SC. Mr. Hansen is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dorothy Hansen; son, Mark Hansen and wife, Jan of Long Beach; daughter, Jamie Craig and husband, Charles of Gulfport; son, David Hansen of Charleston, SC. Mr. Hansen is also survived by his mother, Gladys Hansen of Gulfport; three grandsons, Zachary Mark Cruthirds, James Peter Hansen, and William Nicholas Hansen and his devoted canine companions, Duffy and Pebbles. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Hansen, and sister, Georgia Yokum. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 16, 2008 from 6 until 8:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church Gulfport where friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. until the service. A graveside service and burial will be held Friday, December 19, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Hamby's Chapel United Methodist Church, Vinemont, AL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507. The family would like to thank the staff at the V.A. Medical Center for their dedication and compassionate care. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com