James "Jim" Hanks

Jim Hanks died on January 15, 2026 at his home in Wolf Point. He was born on April 1, 1958 in Wolf Point, the second of four children born to Frank and Lorraine Hanks. He was raised on the family farm and ranch south of Wolf Point. He grew up riding his Welsh pony, Champ, across the countryside alongside his older brother, Gary, who was on his own Welsh pony, Skunk. They often rode to the Balder Ranch, which Jim would someday come to own.

Years later, Velma Balder would laugh about their “tow heads” coming over the hills. Jim attended school in Vida and Wolf Point. He was only 15 when his dad broke his back and it became his responsibility to care for the farm and ranch. Jim was given a work permit to leave school early to take on this responsibility. That was the start of his farming and ranching career that spanned over 50 years. He never lost his love of the land or a straight, new fence line. He later had the privilege of watching his sons continue the legacy as 4th generation farmers and ranchers.

In 1976, Jim graduated from WPHS and continued to farm and ranch with his beloved father, Frank. The two of them had been known to make stops at Harry’s and you always knew Jim was there when you heard his laugh. In 1980, Jim and future wife, Cindy, began a relationship. As Jim loved hunting and guns, he wanted Cindy to go with him. After chasing deer around for most of a day, he told her that she couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. Later, he decided to actually have her try and she, unfortunately, proved him right.

In September of 1987, Jim and Cindy Forsness were married after Jim had learned of his younger brother Linder’s imminent wedding and wanted to beat him to the punch. Three children were born to this union and they were Jim’s favorite humans. Jim loved fireworks and had been known to use them to wake up a sleeping kid or add some sparkle to their shower.

He saw or spoke to his children daily. He was very proud of their accomplishments, especially their college education.

Jim is survived by his wife Cindy, daughter Shandy (Trent) Moran, son Jes (Cassidy) Hanks, son Hayden Hanks, grandchildren Maddox and Walker Moran, and his siblings, Gary Hanks of Chinook, MT, Kathy (Hanks) Forsness of Dickinson, ND, and Linder Hanks of Wolf Point, MT.

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.