Introduction
James Robert "Jim" Hannah (December 26, 1944 – January 14, 2016) was an American jurist.
Background
Born in the Naval Hospital in Long Beach, California, while his father was in the United States Navy during World War II. His family moved back to Ozark, Missouri, where they operated a dry cleaning business. Hannah moved with his parents to Harrison, Arkansas, in 1960, where his family operated a soft-drink bottle company. Hannah graduated from Harrison High School in 1962. Hannah went to Drury University. Hannah then received his bachelor's degree in accounting from University of Arkansas and his law degree from University of Arkansas School of Law. He practiced law in Searcy, Arkansas. He died in Searcy, Arkansas.
Judicial career
In 1978, Hannah was elected chancery and probate judge and then in 2000 was elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court. Hannah served as the chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court from 2005 until 2015. He was elected to the position in 2005. Hannah retired in August 2015 because of health problems. He died on January 14, 2016, aged 71.