John "J.J." James Hancock

John James Hancock, age 66 of Decorah, Iowa and formerly of Witchita, Kansas, died Friday July 27, 2007 at his home in Decorah following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Memorial services are being planned for a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is in charge of the arrangements. John James “J.J.” Hancock was born January 2, 1941 in Emporia, Kansas the son of John Morris and Martha Ann (Baird) Hancock. John earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma. John studied with Anshel Brusilow, former concert master of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, Michael Avsharian, Toshiya Eto and the Julliard String Quartet in Aspen. He has been a member of the Amarillo Symphony, Oklahoma Symphony, Roswell Symphony, Friends University-Community Orchestra and concert master of the Aspen Festival Orchestra. John was a violinist with the Witchita Symphony Orchestra for 32 years. He also studied with renowned violinist Dorothy Delay. John taught string instrument lessons in the Wichita, Kansas Public Schools for over 37 years. He was President of Remarkable Estate Sales in Witchita for 20 years. He and Guy moved to Decorah, Iowa in December 2005. Survivors include his partner, Guy Johnson of Decorah. Memorials may be directed to the Violin Department at the Luther College or the Porter House Museum in Decorah, c/o Fjelstul Funeral Home, 306 East Water Street, Decorah, Iowa 52101.