James Hanson retired in 2001 after teaching for 41 years. A 1958 graduate of La Sierra College, now La Sierra University, he began his teaching career at Plainview Academy, no longer in existence, in South Dakota only to be drafted in the fall of that first year. Following two years of military service, Hanson accepted a position at Auburn Adventist Academy in Washington State.

He was invited to join the faculty at Andrews University in 1969, where he taught voice and directed the University Chorale, Singing Men, and Ladies Chorus. He chaired the department from 1987 to 1991. In 1994 he left AU to chair the music department at Thiel College, a Lutheran school in Pennsylvania, where he was also director of choral and vocal studies.

Hanson went to Southern Adventist University in 1996 where he taught voice until 1999, served as interim chair of the department in 1999-2000, and conducted the choirs from 1999-2001. He performed frequently as a tenor soloist and guest conducted throughout his career.

He completed a Master of Music degree at the University of Puget Sound in Washington state and a DMA at George Peabody College. He and his wife, Alma, now reside in Berrien Springs, Michigan.