E. Leonard Jossem

Leonard had a steady guiding influence on me through the years at Ohio State.
George St.Pierre-Metallurgical Engineering (Materials Science & Engineering).

Prof Len Jossem was one-of-a-kind. His work in Physics, especially Physics Education, is known and revered around the world. What may not be so widely known is his gentleness of spirit. He always had a word; a wise word, a loving word, a comforting word for everybody. And Len always, always looked good. A coat and tie greeted all. Students, colleagues, and friends have lost a brilliant and dear man.

I came to OSU in January 1993 to help start the OSU Physics Education Research Group. Len's work and leadership in the department helped make that group possible (it did not hurt to have the support of Ken Wilson). It was a very busy time. I knew that Len had a long history of work in various ways nationally supporting excellent physics education and in developing innovative methods to make it better. His small office was next to mine on the fourth floor of Smith Lab. Only one time in ten...

I was one of many physics faculty members hired during Len's time as chairman. Len always made me feel at home here and gave me invaluable advice. He was an exemplary department chairman, and
he remained devoted to our department and to physics for many years after his ``retirement''. He will be greatly missed by all.

Soon after I arrived at OSU as a new faculty member back in 1969, I learned about the Chair in the Physics Department, Len Jossem. Over the years, he served and guided his department, his university, and his chosen discipline with intelligence, grace, and integrity, and many a time I benefited from my conversations with him. We have all lost a real treasure.

I am sadden to hear of Dr Jossem's passing. He was my teacher and a colleague at many of the AAPT meetings and committees. I send my heart felt sympathies to his family and will always celebrate his life. R J Zitto (Youngstown State University)

The following message was sent to members of the block watch in Len's neighborhood:

Three Streets (and, particularly, Westview Ave.) has lost one of its greatest treasures with the passing of Prof. Leonard Jossem: known to his neighbors as just "Len."

Those interested in his fascinating and accomplished life as a scientist and academic are urged to read his obituary on the Columbus Dispatch website (published in print today). My purpose here is to memorialize him as a...

I am very sorry to hear of the death of Len Jossem. Len was always a central figure at the AAPT meetings. He was very kind and helpful when I was at OSU to give a talk to the OSU PER group. His loss will be deeply felt by the PER community. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

To the family of Dr. Jossem,

I am sorry to hear of the death of Dr. Jossem. I first met him as a graduate student in the fall of 1969 when he was chairman of the Physics Dept. I later knew him during two stints that I served as a Lecturer in the Dept. In all respects he treated me with the utmost fairness and honestly. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.