Jim Hannan was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1938. His artistic career began when he discovered that his talent for drawing could improve his school grades in the sciences and , especially, literature, where a well illustrated book review more than compensated for the verbal content.

After Air Force duty and graduation from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Jim pursued a career in the aerospace industry as a technical adviser to the Air Force in the United States and Southeast Asia.  Upon returning from overseas, Jim's life long interest in art led him to the Art Students' League in New York City.  While at the League (1970-1972)  he studied with Marshall Glasier and Ben Cunningham.  

Jim subsequently returned to engineering and for many years was employed by Schenck Trebel, a machine tool manufacturer on Long Island.  He left there in June, 1995 to devote himself full time to painting.

Jim received a Master of Arts degree in Studio Art in 1994 from Long Island University. While there, he studied with Stan Brodsky, Jerry Zimmerman, and Rick Mills.

Jim's paintings have been exhibited in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.  Jim's has exhibited at the Faulty Beagle Gallery in Kunkletown in 1995 and 1996.  His work is included in a number of private collections.

Jim has been a member of MCAC Artspace Gallery since 1996.   Jim lives with his wife, Peggie, in McMichaels, Pennsylvania.