James E. Hancher, age 76 of Chicago, Illinois and formerly of Elwood died, Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the Ambassador Nursing Home in Chicago following an extended battle with M.S. He was born August 4,1935 in Elwood, the son of Ervin E. and Helen I. (Cloud) Hancher. He was an Executive Auditor for The Hartford Insurance Company in Chicago for over 30 years. James was a 1953 Graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood and a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge in Elwood. Jim was an avid reader and was a lover of Theater and the Arts.

Survivors include: 2 Brothers – Kenneth M. (wife Jean) Hancher of Middletown and Donn E. (wife Barbara) Hancher of West Lafayette; 2 Sisters – Karen Smith of Alexandria, and Beverly Stephens of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents.

A memorial service will be conducted 1:00 PM, Thursday October 20, 2011 at the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Jim Nickles of the Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana Chapter, 3500 DePauw Blvd. Suite 1040, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.