"Dr. Osen was one of the most soft-spoken, but astute, erudite and accomplished historians I have ever studied under. As a college history instructor myself, I thank Dr. Osen for his example of careful scholarship, gentle humor and personal kindness when I was an undergraduate. Christopher Simer, Beloit College '80."
In loving memory of
James "Jim" Lynn Osen
November 18, 1934 - August 6, 2017
Madison - James Lynn "Jim" Osen, age 82, died peacefully on Sunday, August 6, 2017, with his loving family at his side. He was born on November 18, 1934 in Anita, Iowa, the son of John and Irene Osen.
He grew up in Plymouth, Michigan and following his high school graduation, he attended Western Michigan University on a full scholarship awarded by the Henry Ford Foundation. From 1956 to 1957 he studied at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, later returning to the U.S. where he attended graduate school at the University of Michigan. There he met Meta, his wife of 58 years and the love of his life. Jim received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1958.
1958 and 1959 found Jim teaching English Literature at Lincoln Park High School in Lincoln Park, Michigan. On March 21, 1959 Jim and Meta were married in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio. Jim began his military service with the Air National Guard in 1959.
Jim received his PhD in History from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1966. He had begun his 37 year teaching career at Beloit College in Beloit, WI in 1962. There he taught a wide array of courses, ranging from the French Revolution and Napoleon to Ancient Greece and Rome, to Academic Writing. Jim's 15 years of research for his book entitled "Prophet and Peacemaker, the Life of Adolpe Monod," took Jim and Meta to 17 countries and around the globe - and allowed his sons John and Andrew to spend great parts of their childhood living in London, Paris and Chicago.
He became a Faculty Fellow at the Newberry Library in Chicago from 1967 to 1968. He was named one of the Outstanding Educators in America in 1972. Jim published numerous books and articles, and always relished conducting the research required in these endeavors. Jim also held the Russel Corlis Endowed Chair in History at Beloit College.
The town of Ontonagon, Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior, held a special place in Jim's heart. 30 years ago, he and Meta built a summer home on the lake and enjoyed being part of a close-knit Beloit College community whose families spent their summers there for generations. His grandsons' annual visits to see Grandma and Grandpa "up north" were the highlight of his year.
Jim's grandchildren were the light of his life. Along with Meta, he delighted in attending their many school activities, from a wide variety of sports to band and chorus concerts and school plays. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his grandsons.
Jim was a voracious reader, often reading two hardcover books per week. He loved watching the Packers, and especially enjoyed watching Badger football and basketball.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Meta; his sons, John (Soumaya) of Atlanta, GA and Andrew (Jacson) of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Nicholas, Noah and Sean; godson, Grant Beardsley; and loving daughter, Andrea Adamany Mann.
He will be remembered as well, with admiration and affection, by the countless students whose lives he touched over the years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at ST. DUNSTAN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 6205 University Avenue, Madison.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Beloit College, Library Memorial Fund, 700 College Street, Beloit, WI 53511; or the Odyssey Project, Inc., mailed to: Emily Auerbach, Odyssey Project, 21 N. Park Street Room 7468, Madison, WI 53715.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
Tributes
"Professor Osen was one of my favorite teachers and one of the best ever. I was lucky enough to be in his "French Revolution and Napoleon" course at Beloit with just four other students for an entire term. Dr. Osen taught me the research (library) skills that I needed to build up an argument and how to express those ideas clearly on paper. His criticisms of what I produced were very insightful and motivated me to to better. I can honestly say what I learned from Dr. Osen in the early 1970s at Beloit I used throughout my life and professional career. I was very saddened to hear of his passing, he was a wonderful person and a great teacher. Thank you, Dr. Osen! Eric May, Beloit College '79"
"Meta, We read with great sadness the news of the loss of Jim. We have not kept touch since you moved from Beloit, but you remain very much a part of our memories, especially during our first years at the College. We were all a part of the start of the Beloit Plan, with many new faculty at once, and we took that academic adventure very seriously. I remember the many meals we put together with what we had at the end of the month, the new Beatles "albums"!, and the fancy dinner we had once a year. There were also serious discussions and wonderful company with you during our early years, as well as a lot of overseas travel. We hare thinking of you and your family as your lives are changing. We send our very best wishes to you all. Brock and Barbara Spencer "
"My deepest sympathies. "
"Jim was quite simply the soul of the department. When Warner Mills died, I stood with Jim in the choir at St. Paul's. When I broke down, he held me through my tears. He was, Truly, the kindest soul on campus during my time at the college."
"Dear Meta, We would like to express our sympathy on the occasion of Jim's passing. He was a gentleman and a scholar and was so well respected as a professor. We know this is a very tough time for you and the family and we are thinking of you all. Best wishes, Ranjan and Gretchen Roy"
"Sorry to hear about Jim Osen's passing. He was my history professor at Beloit College in the early 1970's. He made history come alive and was such a caring person to all the students. Best wishes and God bless Mrs. Osen and the family. "
"I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Jim Osen. The Osens were our neighbors on Church St. for many years as well as fellow attendees of St. Paul's. Jim was always kind and thoughtful, a gentle man and a gentleman! And an excellent history professor as I know from having taken one of his classes at Beloit. I pass along the condolences of the Alexander family to the Osen family and thank you for being great neighbors and for many happy years on Church St. --Martha Lee Alexander"
"I have happy memories of both Jim & Meta from years at St Paul's Church in Beloit. Jim & I sang in the choir for several years. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. I wish only the best to Meta and the family. Diana Benti "