James M. Hanifan

James Martin Michael Hanifan, of Creve Coeur, MO, passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the age of 87.

Jim grew up on a Ranch in Southern California graduating from Covina High School going on to play football at University of California Berkeley. At Cal he started three seasons as a defensive end. During the 53’ & 54’ seasons he started as a tight end and was named on two All American teams. He led the nation in receiving with 44 catches in 1954 and scored seven touchdowns, including the winning touchdown in the annual Cal-Stanford "Big Game".

After graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in History & Political Science, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams. He left California to play one season for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He played for the U.S Army’s team in Fort Ord, California that won the National Service Championship. While serving in Schweinfurt, Germany, Jim played for a team that won the European Service Championship.

He was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1958 and married his college sweetheart Mariana Osuna. His daughter Kathleen Hanifan Hinder was born in 1959 in San Francisco, Ca while Jim began teaching and coaching high school and junior-college levels before he moved on to collegiate football in1966 as an assistant coach at the University of Utah (66’- 69’). In 1971 his son James P. Hanifan was born in Walnut Creek, Ca while Jim was an assistant coach at the University of California - Berkeley (70’-72’). That next year he moved his family back to Southern California to coach at San Diego State (72’-73) before the start in 1973 of his thirty-year career in the National Football League. In 1991, Jim’s grandson Austin Hanifan Hinder was born in Salt Lake City, Utah while Jim was coaching his infamous “Hogs” in Washington DC to go on to his first Super Bowl win.

Jim coached the St. Louis Cardinals (1973-1978), San Diego Chargers (1979), St. Louis Cardinals (Head Coach 1980-1985), Atlanta Falcons (1987-1989), Washington Redskins (1990-1996), seven more years in St. Louis (1997-2003) with the St. Louis Rams. Jim had a reputation of being an outstanding teacher and was known as one of the finest offensive line coaches in professional football. He was recognized as the NFL’s Assistant Coach of the Year in 1977. Jim won Super Bowl rings with two different teams, Washington in 1991 and the St. Louis Rams in 1999 with the “Greatest Show on Turf”.

Jim retired from coaching at age 70 and became the Rams “Ambassador to Greater St. Louis”. He was a color commentator and analyst for sports radio stations in St. Louis and nationwide.

Outside of football, Jim enjoyed golfing, cooking, gardening and fishing. His favorite pastime was gathering with family and friends to reminisce with his love of storytelling. He never met a stranger and everyone was quick to become a friend. Jim was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to spend time with him.

In consideration for the safety of our guests and Service Providers, we are asking that all guests who plan to attend the October 7th James M. Hanifan Celebration of Life be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID test. We will keep this website updated to notify you about any change in regulations or plans.