James M. Christensen

James M. Christensen, 86 years old, died in Caldwell, Idaho, on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He died in the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Kristi Christensen, lovingly cared for and surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Toppenish, Washington, on August 28, 1934, to parents James W. Christensen and Amelia Betsch-Christensen. An only child, he spent his childhood growing up in Toppenish and attended school there until his senior year. After losing his father at age 15, he and his mother supported themselves by working in the local orchards and canneries. He graduated from high school at Apostolic Bible College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attended with his three best friends. It was there he met the love of his life, Estelle Newman. Jim and Estelle were married on August 29, 1953, and remained together until his death. They made their first home at Conqueror’s Bible College, Portland, Oregon. Jim began his career in construction in Salem, Oregon. He worked all over the Northwest, California, Mississippi, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on many different construction projects. He had a natural talent for carpentry and for playing the saxophone. Jim also had a passion for travel and took his wife and four children on many adventurous road trips and family vacations all over the United States. Jim and Estelle were dedicated to their faith and served in numerous churches during their life together. Jim personally helped build several church buildings in Oregon and Idaho. Jim enjoyed playing his saxophone in church orchestras wherever he attended. To hear Jim play was to understand the meaning of a “singing saxophone.” After his faith, family was the most important part of Jim’s life. He often entertained his family with stories, songs, wit, and wisdom. The twinkle in his eye sparkled brightest when he was sipping black coffee, visiting around a campfire, or telling an especially memorable tale. Jim and Estelle enjoyed spending time together in Donnelly, Idaho, where they hosted close family and dear friends frequently. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Estelle Christensen; daughter, Marsha (Alan) Stallones; son, Jim (Kristi) Christensen; and daughter, Tammy (Robert) Breshears. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren: Tia (Tyson) Davis, Justin (Rebecca) Stallones, A.J. (Veronica) Stallones, T.J. (Shawna) Christensen, Anthony (Monika) Christensen, Darryl Christensen, Alexander Christensen, Mili Christensen, C.D. (Ashley) Breshears, Candace (Alex) Rojas, and Chris (Angela) Williams. Jim is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his son and daughter-in-law, Don and Salli Christensen. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 18th at 11:00 A.M. at Calvary Temple Church, 200 S 6th Avenue in Caldwell. The family would like to thank: the nursing staff and hospice staff at St. Alphonsus Hospital, the many family members who helped with Jim’s end of life care, and a very special thank you to Jim and Kristi Christensen for opening their home to him, making his last days comfortable. Condolences may be left for James' family at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com.