James Leon Hannah

James Leon Hannah, affectionally known as "Coach Hannah", passed from this life on Friday, February 14, 2025, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at the age of 86. Coach was born in Tennessee to Edward and Addie Mae Hannah. The family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where James grew up.

After high school, he attended Jones Junior College on a football scholarship. He loved football! After a year, coach Bobby Bowden encouraged James to transfer to Samford University in Birmingham to play for Coach Bowden's Bulldogs. James was glad to have the opportunity to move closer to home. While still in college, Coach Hannah was drafted by the United States Army and served his country in Korea. After moving to Okaloosa County to teach and coach, he never left. Coach Hannah retired in 1998, while working at Bruner Middle School. 

He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Donna Hannah; son, James W. Hannah (Cynthia); and two grandsons, Aaron Chance Hannah (Emily) and James Colton Hannah, all of Panama City, Florida. Jim was preceded in death by two brothers, Labron and Don Hannah (Belinda). 

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Meridian, 1001 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32547, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.