James Anthony Hiser-Hanback

James(Jimmy) Anthony Hiser-Hanback was born in Fort Belvoir, Virginia to Tony William Hanback and Michelle Payne on September 26, 1989. He passed away in Orlando, Florida on January 7, 2021. He is survived by his husband Scott Matthew Hiser-Hanback, his mother Michelle, his father Tony and stepmother Kimmie, sister and brother Katie and Bryce Berger, and step-siblings Kasi and Joe Jackson, grandfather Tony Hanback, grandmother Phyllis Warner, as well as many other loving family and friends. Jimmy is also survived by his grandparents Don and Cathy Payne, who held a special place in his heart and he loved more than anyone. Jimmy studied art at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where he focused on painting and sculpting. He dreamed of being able to sell his art full time. His creative mind was always thinking about what other projects he would make next. He enjoyed painting, and working on crafts like gourd birdhouses, sea shell wind chimes, and many other homemade items to add to his numerous collections. Having a huge heart, Jimmy loved to help others, and this extended to his love of animals. Getting his start on the farm and raising animals for 4-H, Jimmy loved to be surrounded by various critters. Over the years, his pets included chickens, ducks, tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, birds, fish, cats, and dogs. He leaves behind his snake Draco, cats Fiona, Apollo and Percy, and dogs Rue and his little buddy Spock. Jimmy, a member of the Slytherin house, loved all things Harry Potter. Moving to Orlando to work at Universal’s Wizarding World was a dream come true. He was very proud of the large Harry Potter collection he amassed over the years, which includes an astonishing 42 wands. Jimmy was an avid Star Trek fan, which was evident by the ComBadge tattoo he had placed on his chest, as well as the name he gave he beloved dog. Being outdoors and doing things in nature was major part of Jimmy’s lifestyle. He loved to garden and watching things grow. Though he loved going to the beach, his heart belonged on a tube in the creek or in a raft on the river, where many friends and family had the pleasure of joining him on those adventures over the years. Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of having a beautiful soul, a huge heart, a creative mind, a quirky personality, and a love of adventure. His memory will shine on in the hearts of every life he touched.

James Anthony Hiser-Hanback

September 26, 1989 - January 7, 2021