James Claude Hanby

On the afternoon of December 14th, 2025, James C. Hanby, 80, left this world peacefully surrounded by those who loved him most. He was born in Kenton, Ohio on October 13, 1945, the son of Meredith and Irene Baldwin Hanby. James married Dixie Lou Blankenship on August 5, 1995 and she preceded him in death on April 2, 2017. James knew he was fortunate to live life to the fullest. He lived a very fun-filled life, where his passion for racing, race cars, body work, and his pride in his Auto Body Shop was second to none, aside from his loving wife Dixie. An avid pool player, James spent many evenings competing locally which eventually led to a trip to Las Vegas for his excellence and acknowledgement of his craft.. He had much to be proud of in life, often reminiscing of those fond memories. James is survived by his daughters April Hanby, Lori Clark and her husband Wayne, and Ashley Hanby and her husband Danny Church; stepchildren Fred Bishop and his wife Michelle, Karen Featherstone, and Scott Bishop; numerous grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews; and siblings Robert Hanby, Nancy Rider, and Sue Griffiths and her husband Bruce. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dixie Lou, his sons James Douglas Hanby and Jami Shenfield; grandchildren James Douglas Hanby II, Angelica Rose Hanby, Christopher Wayne Clark; and a brother Douglas Hanby. A service celebrating the life of James Claude Hanby will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 West Main St. Peru, with Pastor Randy Smoot officiating. Burial will be in the Reyburn Cemetery, Peru, IN. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, Friday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to the National Kidney Foundation.

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