"The cattle industry has lost a true champion," said USCA President, Jon Wooster. "Jim was a man of courage, character and conviction. His leadership style was one of reasoned, sound judgment combined with his wonderful vision, wisdom and wit. He will be sorely missed."

Jim Hanna was the fifth generation of his family to own and operate the Pass Ranch in Nebraska over the past 100 years. Before returning to the ranch full time, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Geography. Jim was a Director for the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska, the former president of Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association and served as the Region VII Director for the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association representing cattle producers from Nebraska and Iowa on its board of directors. He chaired the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Beef Checkoff Committee and he was an active participant in the nation wide Checkoff Improvement Task Force, a national group exploring beef checkoff reform.

"Jim was an active proponent of beef checkoff reform, and he had dedicated himself to leading a national effort towards effective and meaningful change in the program," noted Wooster. " He was a working cowman who understood the synergies and intricacies of his industry and its politics and he put that knowledge and experience to work every single day for us all. Our hearts go out to his family during this most difficult time."

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, June 4 in Thedford, NE at the high school gymnasium.