John B. Hanks ’69

John died Oct. 9, 2024, at home in North Garden, Va., of prostate cancer. He was surrounded by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie, and their daughters, Laura and Mary.

Born in Washington, D.C., John graduated cum laude from the Landon School. He followed brothers Jim ’64 and Tom ’66, and preceded niece Julia ’01, to Princeton, where he majored in biology, ate at Cottage Club, and roomed with Jack McCarthy, Tom Weidner, and Bison Brown. He attended medical school at the University of Rochester and went on to complete his surgical training at Duke University.

John spent a surgical career at the University of Virginia, serving as chief of the newly formed Division of General Surgery from 1993 until his retirement in 2015. He served on the American Board of Surgery from 2005 to 2011 and was elected president of the Southern Surgical Association for the 2017-18 term.

Outside of work, John was a member of the Western Albemarle High School baseball coaching staff for nearly 20 years. In retirement, he volunteered for Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue and the Quebec-Labrador Foundation, got into CrossFit, and enjoyed his role as “Goofy Grandpa” to grandchildren Alice and Jack. A frequent Reunions-attender, he kept in close touch with many of our classmates throughout his life.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Of all his accomplishments, he was quick to say he was proudest of his family. His warmth, generosity, and humor will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.