James Michael "Mike" Hanks, 69, of Hemphill, Texas passed away Monday, February 21, 2022 at Toledo Bend Lake.

Mike was born in Kermit, Texas on August 29, 1952 to Marvin Ralph Hanks and Melba Dean Gray. He had first lived in Hemphill in his early 20's before moving to Katy, Texas where he was a police officer in Houston for 38 years. He spent many weekends and vacations in Sabine County until he became a full time resident in 2014.

After moving to Hemphill, he joined the Sabine County Sheriff's Department where he worked for four years until becoming the Chief of Police for Hemphill ISD.  He had been with the school for the past four years where he was a favorite on campus with Hornets of all ages, students and teachers alike.  In his spare time, he loved spending time with his family and of course, fishing.

Mike is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sandy Hanks of Hemphill; daughters, Katherine "Kadi" Hanks and Kristian Nicole Jimenez, both of Hemphill and Tina Raiford and husband, Dustin, of Conroe; sons, Daniel Wayne Hanks and wife, Tina Marie, of Richmond and Steven Jacob Jimenez and wife, Meagan Esque, of Katy; seven grandchildren; and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Melba Dean Smith; father, Marvin Ralph Hanks and brother, David Hanks.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Hemphill ISD Athletic Complex Gymnasium.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. following visitation under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Daniel Serenil and Bro. George Ross officiating.

Burial will follow services in Hemphill Cemetery with Mike Ray, George Griffith, Tom Maddox, Leon Miller, Jacob Jimenez, Kenny Reese, Darrell Stafford and Warren Conner serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers are Walter Wilson, Lonnie Johnson, Daniel Hanks and Jacob Jimenez II.

Condolences and memories can be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.