James A. Hanna was born in Sardis, Tennessee, on July 31, 1848 and lived his boyhood and young manhood in that section of the state. After completing his preparatory school he entered the Southern Illinois Norman University, graduating June 13, 1878. Immediately upon his graduation he was given a professorship in the University, making a marked success here and at other schools. He was a teacher in Sardis and Saltillo, TN and he was at one time President of Hardin College at Savannah. He was also a member of the Tennessee Legislature 1884-1887.
In 1879 James married Miss Alice Davy, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Davy, one of West TN's prominent and wealthy citizens. Known children were: Connie Louise m. Frank C Hiner, Jewell m. James Mogford: Nellie Mildred m. Bert R Shepherd; & Mahala (Mae) m. Neal Thompson. (Lena Meeks unconfirmed at this time).
In 1898 he came to Chattanooga and worked in Real Estate and then as a Pioneer Hotel proprietor.
Being a man of many untold charitable deeds for others to the neglect of self, he lived each day to do some deed of helpfulness. He was ever ready to aid a friend or neighbor. Dauntless and persistent before apparent defeat, he met each issue of life bravely, for he knew no failure. We have in him an example of the highest type of Christian manhood. He loved to study the Bible and taught as few others could do. To see his well worn Bible, not from age so much as constant use, told the story of what it meant to him. His pastor, Rev. T.S. Hamilton, spoke of his faithfulness, of his smile, of his life that would leave its lasting memory for good among us.
A message came from Sardis, TN on the day of his memorial service saying, "We, his friends, who have know him all his boyhood, want his friends in Chattanooga to known how we loved and respected his exemplary life."