James Forsythe Hazen Ph.D.

March 9, 1935 - July 18, 2025

It is with loving memory and heartfelt sadness that we mark the passing of James Forsythe Hazen on July 18, 2025 in Las Vegas.

Beloved father, grandfather, distinguished English professor, and longtime Las Vegan.

Born in Boston on March 9, 1935, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, James began his academic career at Princeton University, earning his B.A. in 1957. He continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received both his MFA and PhD. It was at the University of Wisconsin that he met and later married his beloved wife, Lynn Shuford of Salisbury, North Carolina.

James began teaching at both Yale and St Louis University, before accepting an associate professorship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1971.

Soon becoming a full professor, James would hit his stride. During his tenure, James served a term as department chair, directed the graduate studies program and was editor of Interim poetry magazine. His dedication to his work was highly valued by students and colleagues alike.

James retired from UNLV in 1999 with an Emeritus distinction.

In his Emeritus years, James continued his lifelong love for music, enjoyed time as an avid gardener, bibliophile, tennis player, and prolific poet.

With an equal passion, he also rooted for the UNLV Rebels and fell head over heels for the Las Vegas Aces.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Lynn S. Hazen, in 2021.

James is survived by his loving children, daughter, Jessica Hazen; son, Charles Hazen; and his grandchildren, Katey and Vincent.

To share these memories was the professor's last assignment. We hope we do him honor.

We loved our father very much. He will be deeply missed.

The family has arranged a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James's memory to the University of Wisconsin-Madison (English Undergraduate Scholarship Fund - 132367233) http://supportuw.org/give/

or the Lied Library at UNLV

https://www.library.unlv.edu/

Rest easy, Sweet Baby James.