James Hansen

I just tried to track down Jim's email at the WSHS Library, knowing he had retired. A student answered and didn't know him, so I googled him and found this. I'm heartbroken! He was the best scholar I knew and taught me so much about Wisconsin History and genealogy. I will miss him dearlyy.

In past years I often frequesnted the WSHS Library in Madison while working on my own genealogy and assisting others. Jim was often so helpful. It was always such a joy to see his larger than life smile as he greeted myself and others there at his desk. I can still see him there in my ever so fond memories of Jim. It's hard to imagine him no longer here with us all but our memories will live on with us. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, co-workers, neighbors; he connected with so many of us, may he rest in peace-God Bless, with heart felt Hugs.life smile

Nancy Mulhern and I both grew up in Southern Minnesota. We found Jim and we used to watch the same children's program, Axel's Treehouse, on WCCO. It was fun to reminisce about the show. Jim was responsible for helping to build one of the finest genealogical collections in this country. Researchers certainly appreciated all the help he gave them. Jim was truly a great guy.V

During our high school days, Jim was known as "the Cheetah". Jim did not have the lightning-quick speed of a cheetah-far from it! When someone called Jim "Cheetah", a wry smile came across his face. He saw the humor in it and wasn't particularly offended!? Jim was more of a long-distance runner. Nowadays, lots of people do a long daily run for physical exercise. Back in the late 1960's, Jim was ahead of his time on that. In fact, Jim was ahead of his time in a lot of ways which helped him have a successful life and career. Jim believed that a knowledge of history could make the world a better place in the future. That's why people who knew Jim well had an easy time coming to appreciate him and love him. We luv ya, Jim and Jane!

A consummate professional and a very nice guy! Rest in Peace.