James J. Janson

James “Jim” Jansen, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 28, 2025. He was born on December 12, 1941, to his parents Theodore and Marion (White) Jansen in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Jim was raised in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School. 2 days after graduating, he joined the United States Air Force. He served our country for 8 years. While he was in basic training, he met his future brother in law who introduced him to Neoma Dumond. They were married in August of 1964 and had two children. He was later stationed in Maryland. When he was discharged they moved back to Alaska where he became a detective for the Anchorage Police Department. He served the community in Anchorage for 22 years. In 2002, the lure of grandchildren brought them to Oregon and the rain from Oregon would later send them to Arizona. Sadly, Neoma passed away in January of 2013. Throughout all of his traveling, Jim found love again with former classmate Jean Stoffel Rathsack after reconnecting in Arizona. They were married in April of 2017.

Jim loved to hunt and fish. He and his good friend, Dave Hardy, built a cabin north of Anchorage where they would fish and hunt and enjoy being in the wild with their families. He was an avid golfer and bowler and was in a bowling league for many years. He was also really good at poker, playing as often as possible when living at an RV Park in Casa Grande, AZ. He became a poker instructor for several years. He loved reading. He wasn’t a picky reader and could consume a whole book in a single day. In his later years, he took up crocheting and would make hats to give away to friends and family. He made a color coordinated hat for every NFL team.

He is survived by his wife Jean, children: Bonny (Charlie) Osburn and Don (Beth) Jansen; grandchildren: Andrew (Kari) Osburn, Daniel (Genna) Osburn, Timothy (Kayla) Osburn, Mercedes Becker, Savannah Jansen, Isabella Jansen, Olivia Jansen, Mitchel Jansen; step-children: Michael (Jennifer) Rathsack, Rob (Kim) Rathsack, and step-grandchilden Paige and Irish, great-grandchildren: Lilyann, Denali, Arabelle; and nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Neoma, and his sister Susan Byrd.

A special thank you to the friends and family who reached out and gave support.