James Ryan Hansen

James Ryan Hansen, RN, age 52, of Oxford, CT, passed away suddenly on May 13, 2024. He was born on the 13th of May, 1972, in North Miami Shores, FL and grew up in Coral Gables, FL and Coconut Grove, FL. James graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School, with International Baccalaureate Honors, and was a member of both the junior varsity and varsity bowling teams. During his senior year, he was ranked number 10 in Florida. James went on to attend Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, where he earned a BS in Studio Art and Graphic Design in 1995. Upon graduating, James moved up north to Connecticut to be with his college sweetheart, Joette. James' Graphic Design career included positions at a commercial printing facility in South Norwalk, CT, where he was a prepress operator; PROMO Magazine, also in South Norwalk, where he eventually became its Art Director; Brann Worldwide in Wilton, CT; Affinity Express in South Windsor, CT, where he was a Technical Services Director and 3M, in Meriden, CT. He also freelanced and worked with Clairol, Coca-Cola, Merck, MLB, WNBA and HarleyDavidson throughout the span of his career. In late January of 2012, after being hospitalized on 9N's respiratory unit at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT with a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, James was inspired by the nurse who cared for him there, Jeff Vrlik, to become a Registered Nurse, himself. He attended Southern Connecticut State University for his prerequisites, earning a 4.0 GPA, and then graduated from St. Vincent's College in 2015, where he was offered a grant, earning an AD in

Nursing. He was hired as a Staff Nurse on the same unit he once was a patient on; life had come full circle. He considered the 9N staff to be his extended family. James was an exceptional RN who specialized in patient safety and patient advocacy, which was reflected in the seven safety keys he was awarded by unit managers (a facility record) for recognizing and preventing events that could have brought serious harm to his patients. James was also a member of the medical center's Institutional Ethics Committee. James was kindhearted and compassionate, humble and hardworking and was known for his uncompromising integrity and gentleness and grace. He loved animals and meteorology, had a wonderful sense of humor, a warm smile and an adventurous spirit. He was knowledgeable and loyal, always offering a helping hand—he was the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. James was a precious nightingale with a heart of gold and healing hands, who made a difference and shined a light when people needed it most of all. James leaves behind his beloved, Joette, and their dog, Raven, his parents, William and Teresa Hansen, his in-laws, Jeffrey and Candace Wain, several aunts and uncles, special cousins, including Eddie, who was like a brother to him, his cherished 9N extended family and dear friends. James was a Godfather to four children: Chelsea, Mya'Lani, Austin and Lacey and was a proud Uncle to many. Friends may greet his family at Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, CT on Friday, May 17, 2024, between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. His funeral will leave the funeral home on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 9:15 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 50 Fairmont Place, Shelton, CT. Burial will follow in Huntington Lawn Cemetery East, 40 Lane St., Shelton, CT.

Online condolences can be left at www.riverviewfh.com