James Allen Janssen, 67, of Castlewood, SD passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  Funeral Services have been set for 10:30am Monday, August 19, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, Castlewood, SD.  Visitation will be from 2:00pm to 4:00pm Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Geise Funeral Chapel in Castlewood, SD.

James Allen Janssen was born May 30, 1957 in Watertown, SD, the son of William and Gladys Darlene (Smunk) Janssen.  He grew up and attended school in Castlewood, graduating from Castlewood High School in 1975.

He then attended College at Dakota State University, Madison, SD.  James had a stellar 1978 season, breaking three different school records, leading his recognition as an NAIA All-American Second Team running back as well as receiving SDIC All-Conference honors.  He rushed 46 times in a single game versus the University of South Dakota/Springfield in 1978, tying the school record for most rushing attempts in a single game.  James also owns the school record for most rushing yards in a single game, racking up a total of 294 yards against USD/S.  He finished the season with a single-season school record of 1370 rushing yards for the Trojans in 1978.  All three records are still intact today in the DSU Football record book.

On April 8, 1994, he was united in marriage to Lorie Endres.  He was blessed with raising their 3 children.

On November 27, 2010, he was united in marriage to Deborah Kay Gerhold.

James worked for the City of Watertown, SD.  He worked from 1985 for the Sanitation Department and the Waste Water Department until his retirement in 2015.

He was great at any sport he played.  He loved hunting, golfing and fishing.  He loved time spent with his family, grandchildren and friends.  He didn't miss any event that his children and grandchildren had.  He was strong man, physically and mentally.

In his retirement, he mowed at The Castlewood Golf Course.  He so enjoyed his time there.

James is survived by his wife, Deborah Janssen of Castlewood, SD; his children, Samantha (Chad) Ochsendorf and their children, Lileigh, Brynleigh, Oakleigh and Lawsen of Watertown, SD, Benjamin Brandsrud and his son's, Keegan and Lane of South Shore, SD and Abigail (Jamie) Jordan and their children, Lincoln, Luxyn and Lennon of Watertown, SD; his mother, Gladys Darlene Janssen; his brothers and sister, Roger (DJ) Janssen, Roxanne (Craig) Bass, Steve (Lisa) Janssen and Tony Janssen; his step-children, Chad (Monique) Smith and their children, Derrick, Talisa (Ryan) Stukerjurgen, Braedan, Gaelan, Kieran and Lochlan, Travis (Michele) Smith and their children, Madison (Ben) Robinson, Brandon (Megan) Smith and their daughter, Ruthie; Emerson Smith and Kalen (Leah) Biord and their children, Lincoln, Elaina and Kolson; along with all of the Gerhold family, his brother-in-law, Calvin Sievers and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Janssen and a sister Cindy Sievers.