James George Janssen attended Marquette University (B.A., M.A.) and the University of Wisconsin at Madison (PhD).

He was a Professor of English at Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin (1965-1968), and at Arizona State University (1968-2000) where for many years he was the Department of English Director of Graduate Studies.

Jim published numerous articles on Hawthorne's fiction, was a founding member of the Nathaniel Hawthorne Society, and retired as Professor Emeritus. He loved teaching and often said he was happiest in the classroom.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise (Debroux) Janssen and his six siblings.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Susan; three daughters; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and Arizona.

A memorial service was held on January 24, 2023.