Guenther G. "Jim" Janssen

Guenther G. "Jim" Janssen, 92, passed away May 13, 2024, in his West Reading residence. By his count and in his words, he lived on this beautiful planet for 33,707 days. He was the loving husband of Harriett J. (Burkholder) Janssen who passed just 11 days earlier. They were married for 65 years. He was the son of the late George and Erna (Schmolke) Janssen who immigrated to West Reading from Germany.
Jim, "Ginny" was a life long resident of West Reading having graduated High School there in 1949. He was active in baseball and continued to follow the sport passionately as an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan.
He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Navy. He retired from Lucent Technologies in 1987, after which he served as a tipstaff at the Berks County Courthouse. He enjoyed his retirement years traveling with and assisting his wife in her company, Encore Tours. Favorite excursions were cruises to Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean.
He was a long-time active member of the Volunteer Fireman's Beneficial Association of West Reading. He served as an officer for their Travelers Social Club and could be found at the fire company every Saturday morning to "sign the book" and punch his board.
Jim enjoyed all Philadelphia sports, his favorite TV Westerns, and mostly, his beloved grandchildren who affectionately call him Ops. He was known for his billiard skills, dry sense of humor and joke telling, his violin solos and, of course, his ever-present pipe.
He is survived by two children, Lisa, wife of Daniel Hagenman, Voorhees, NJ; and Michael Janssen, West Reading, husband of Kathleen; and five grandchildren: Kyle and Justin Hagenman, and Emily, Rachel, and Alex Janssen. Also, a loving sister, Belinda, wife of the late Kerry McAllister.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements.