Jackson J. Benson

September 2, 1930 - October 30, 2023

LA MESA, CA — A lifelong Californian, Jack was born in San Francisco to businessman William A. Benson and Freda (nee Sperling), a journalist. After attending Lincoln High School in the city he then went on to Stanford, where he majored in Philosophy and graduated cum laude.

After serving two years in the Army’s 6th Division as a tactic’s instructor he studied at San Francisco State University, where he earned an MA in English, and then USC, where he received a doctorate in American Literature.

Jack also taught at Orange Coast College where he met his wife, Sue Ellen (nee Beck). They married in Laguna Beach in 1960. In 1966 they and their two girls, Katrina and Belinda moved to San Diego, where Jack took a teaching position in American Literature at San Diego State University. He was a professor there until his retirement in 1997.

Jack’s professional life was an active one, including serving as chair of the American Literature section, director of graduate studies as well as serving on the editorial board of the Hemingway Review and Western American Literature. He wrote numerous articles and book reviews and gave public lectures.

Jack’s major contribution both as an academic and as an author included the 15 books he wrote, co-wrote, and edited. Most notably, the authorized biography of

John Steinbeck, for which he received the PEN WEST award. Other biographies were of Wallace Stegner (Evans Biography Award), Walter van Tilburg Clark, A.B. Gutherie, Jr. and Wright Morris: all western writers. Most of his travels involved his research, for which he received three NEH awards. He also received his college’s Outstanding Faculty Award and in 1988 the University’s Phi Kappa Phi award.

In sum, Jack led a full and successful life. He was dedicated to his teaching profession and writing career and loved going to his Sierra cabin with his family and dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Ellen Benson, daughters, Katrina Lagrandeur (Kevin), Belinda Michaels (Brian), granddaughters, Sydney Michaels and Julia Michaels.

No immediate memorial services are planned. Rather than flowers, please consider contributions to KPBS.

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