James Arthur Christenson, Jr.

It is with sad regret that we lost James A. Christenson, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather due to heart failure on November 23, 2024. Jim was 86 years old. He will be greatly missed by all family and friends. We are fortunate God provided him with enough time to say his goodbyes to family and friends. He left this earth grateful for the time he had and with a willing heart to be with God now passing to the next phase of life.

Jim did many things in his time here. First and foremost, he was a good provider for his wife and family. He married Karen Shrader who is still with us, on September 12, 1959.  They were together for 65 years. Together they had 3 children who also married: Arthur Christenson and spouse, Joyce, of LaPorte, Indiana; Cynthia Abbate and spouse, Jeff, of Beaverton, Oregon; and Richard Christenson and spouse, Melissa, of Boise, Idaho. The family grew to include eight grandchildren: Darcia, Cristina, Samantha, Bethany, Josephina, Sophia, Lilliana and Charlotte. The family continues to grow with six great-grandchildren. 

What we will remember most from the time he spent with all of us is his willingness to teach and share his knowledge, whether it was learning how to build something, shoot a gun, teach us to drive, fix or repair anything -- we learned so much working alongside him. Some of our fondest memories will be remembered of camping, fishing, swimming and the joy of a good card game.

Jim began his life on August 30, 1938 in Rolling Prairie, Indiana and later moved to Boise, Idaho. He was born to parents, Cecil Mae Ford and James A. Christenson, Sr., both deceased. He was the oldest of five children. Surviving are sisters: Alberta Nichols and Gloria Brennan, and brother, Terry Christenson. Jim was preceded in death by younger brother, Timothy Christenson.

After graduating High School from Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Jim served in the Military and later the Reserves. He began his career working for the Railroad for 8 years and later spent 29 years at GTE. He was able to retire early and go back to his first love. He learned as a young boy what he enjoyed most was farming and working with animals. In his later years of retirement, Jim enjoyed reading lots of books (his favorite westerns), gardening, woodworking projects and volunteering at church.

We could write a book to honor this man's life. He will be most remembered as a man of few words who said what he needed to say.  He just worked hard every day that he could to make life better for others. Never complaining and never expecting anything in return.

He will be greatly missed.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 10th at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.  Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com.  Services are under the care of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian, Idaho.