In Memoriam: James S. Hanlon
September 14, 1960 – December 9, 2025
James S. Hanlon of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, died on December 9, 2025. He was born in Levittown, Pennsylvania.
James built a long career in the exhibit and experiential marketing industry, working across design and sales roles over several decades. He was part of the Chicago-area exhibit community during a period of significant industry growth and change.
At the time of his passing, James served as a senior account executive at Global Experience Specialists (GES), where he worked beginning in 1993. Based in the Greater Chicago Area, he spent more than three decades with the company supporting client programs and exhibit initiatives.
Earlier in his career, James worked as a designer at Kitzing from 1986 to 1993. His professional path reflected a transition from design into sales, a trajectory shared by many exhibit professionals of his era. He was also associated with Exhibitgroup and Giltspur during his career.
James earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Product Design from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. His professional specialties included exhibit design, museums, trade shows, and briefing centers.
James was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Hanlon. He is survived by his brothers Patrick Hanlon (Janet), Randolph Hanlon (Debbie), and David Hanlon. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews and fourteen grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
“James, my friend, you were a joy to work and travel with during our years at Kitzing,” Chris Kappes wrote. “We sold many large exhibit projects together, and I always felt like your big brother. We shared many social outings, laughs, and memories. Your spirit will be missed, and those in heaven will enjoy the James we know. God bless you.”
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 4p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 10:00 to 11a.m. A Mass will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Petronille Catholic Church, 420 Glenwood Ave., Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Burial will follow at 12:25 p.m. at St. Michael Cemetery, 1209 Warrenville Rd., Wheaton, Illinois.
James’s passing is felt across his family, his colleagues, and the exhibit industry community in which he spent much of his professional life.
