James David Hansen

James David Hansen (Justice of the peace; longest-serving elected official in Lubbock, Texas)
Born	July 6, 1955 Shawnee, Oklahoma
Died	November 30, 2024 (aged 69) Lubbock, Texas
Spouse	Dixie Hansen (married 1986-2024, his death) Children: Matthew and Elizabeth Hansen Parents: John and Shirley Hansen Alma mater: Robert E. Lee High School (Midland, Texas) Texas Tech University
Religion	Christian

James David Hansen, known as Jim Hansen (July 6, 1955 – November 30, 2024), was first elected in 1990 as the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, in Lubbock County, Texas. At the time of his death at the age of sixty-nine, he was the longest serving elected official in the history of the county.^[1]

He was succeeded on the bench by Betty L. Dills, who had worked for Hansen as his understudy since 2010. She described her appointment to the bench as "bittersweet. Judge Hansen was an amazing judge and an amazing friend. He was awesome." Dills must determine at a later date if she will run for the seat permanently.^[2]

Born to John and Shirley Hansen in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Hansen was reared in Midland, Texas, at which he graduated in 1973 from Robert E. Lee High School. He performed in plays with the Pickwick Players at the Midland Community Theatre. After high school, he attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock and graduated in 1977 with a degree in Telecommunications. His time at Texas Tech solidified his loyalty to the Red Raiders. He was also a golfer.^[3]

Hansen was an investigative journalist for NBC-affiliated television station KCBD, Channel 11 in Lubbock, at which he met Dixie, a news producer who caught his eye. The two married on June 1, 1986, and were together for thirty-eight years. They had two children, Matthew and Elizabeth.^[3]

In his role as justice of the peace, he presided over nearly 200,000 cases. Judge Hansen was known for his fairness, integrity, and dedication. His impact extended beyond the courtroom; he was a mentor to countless fellow justices through his management of online message boards. In 2007, he was honored as "Texas Judge of the Year."^[3] Judge Hansen was a committed Christian known for generosity and compassion. He often offered a kind word to a stranger. He died in Lubbock after a long struggle with cancer.^[3]