Obituary of James Gary Hanchey

Gary went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 10, 2014, peacefully in his home. He left us with a lasting legacy which started and ended with his family whom he loved so dearly. Gary was the second oldest of sixteen children and cherished being a part of a large family. As the eldest son, he was looked up to as a father figure by many of his younger brothers and sisters, after his father passed away. Even though he already had his own family by this time, he lovingly accepted this role. Gary was born Aug. 12, 1936 in San Francisco, CA to Bill and Maida Hanchey. When he was 6 years old the family moved to Hoboken, Georgia. In 1946 they moved to Hunt, Idaho. The Hanchey’s finally settled in Twin Falls where he continued his education, graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1955. During his high school years he excelled in track and football. He was also an undefeated AAU boxing champion. After a short time at Boise Junior College, he joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA. On a trip north to San Bruno, CA he met the love of his life, Judy, in the summer of 1956. They married in 1957 and spent their first year in Twin Falls, ID, where Debbie was born. After moving to San Bruno, the family grew to include Sandy, David and Steven. Gary and Judy moved their family to Idaho in 1973, enjoying country living in Kimberly for 21 years. After raising their children they moved into Twin Falls. Learning the trade from his father, Gary was in the auto body repair business for most of his working life. He had an excellent reputation as an auto body painter. Before retiring, he spent his last 14 years employed at CSI. Gary was a devoted, faithful, hardworking man, and taught his children to have a good work ethic. Gary loved the Lord and together he and Judy raised their children in a loving Christian home. He loved music, especially singing duets with his sweetheart. If he wasn’t humming or singing a tune, he was whistling. Gary passed onto his children and grandchildren his love of the outdoors, especially his passion for fishing, hunting and golf. His special “Wild” friends loved to visit and experience the Idaho life. He was notorious for his “fishing tales.” Gary’s greatest joy and blessing were his grandchildren. Grandpa was very active and involved in their lives. He spent many hours at church programs, sporting events, music recitals, plays, and 4-H shows. He enjoyed listening to their life experiences, and loved sharing his stories and “tall tales.” Gary is survived by his children, Debbie Hanchey of Boise, Sandy (Jim) Dawson, Dave (Dalene) Hanchey, and Steve (Becky) Hanchey of Twin Falls, eight grandchildren, Brandon Titmus, Jessica Titmus, Rachel (Marcos) Monroy, David (Lacey) Hanchey, Matthew Hanchey, Christina (Kyle) Skuza, Amanda (Martin) de la Presa, Jacob Hanchey, two great-grandchildren, Kolter Titmus and Eden Monroy. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Billie (Charles) Park, Johnny (Twila) Hanchey, Carol (Rupert) Buntin, Loretta (Nellis) Burkhart, Bobbie (Terry) Holmes, Linda (Mel) Temple, Vickie (Tom) Collins, Perry (Mary) Hanchey, Bill (Jackie) Hanchey, Ileta (Scott) Jensen, Rhonda Boisvert, Bob (Sue) Hanchey, Elizabeth (Rick) Reinstein, Ramona Crandall, and hundreds of nieces, nephews, cousins and some very special friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bunny, and Judy, his loving and devoted wife of 55 years. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at 1:00 this Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1231Washington St. N, Twin Falls. A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday November 14, 2014 at Rosenau Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in Twin Falls. Family and Friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.