James "Jim" William Christensen

     James William Christensen, the son of James Bang & Clara Iona (Steffen) Christensen, was born November 22, 1955 in Spencer, IA.  He was raised on the family farm east of Royal and graduated from Clay Central High School in 1974.  After high school, Jim attended Ryder Technical Institute in Des Moines where he studied Diesel Mechanics.  Following graduation he moved back to northwest Iowa and worked at Grant Halsne Implement in Spencer.  Jim also worked for Shopper Supply in Spirit Lake.

      Jim married Tami Bauman on November 20, 1976 at the United Methodist Church in Royal, IA.  Following their marriage they lived in Spirit Lake, IA.  They moved to the family farm near Royal in 1977 and carried on the farming operation after his dad retired.  During the years Jim farmed he was a substitute mail carrier until which time he joined Christian Sheet Metal for many years, where he was known as “Gadget”.  Eventually Jim became a self-employed carpenter and did housing inspections until his retirement.  Jim was a person who could never sit still and was always fixing things.  During his retirement he enjoyed taking care of his yard, woodworking projects, refinishing antique furniture and fishing with his grandchildren in the pond on the farm.  Jim’s greatest pride and joy were his family, especially his grandchildren.  He earned the title of “Grandpa Jeep” as all of the grandkids loved taking rides with him in his Jeep.  Jim had juvenile diabetes and was a dedicated research study participant at the Mayo Clinic for over 40 years. 

      Jim passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by his loving family, he was 66.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

      Left to cherish his memory are: his wife Tami of Spencer, his children Lindsey Eckrich (Jason) of Riverside, IA; Master SGT Lucas Christensen (Meredith) of Las Vegas, NV; Weston Christensen (Courtney) of Ruthven, IA; his grandchildren Wade & Emaline, Braven & Casper and Cayden & Aksel; his sister Mary Anne Morey (Russell) of Macomb, IL; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

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