James Michael Christiansen

He was the son of Ralph Christiansen and Millie Christiansen. When he was 5 he moved with his family to Whittier before moving to San Bernardino, CA. where he attended St. Anne’s which was directly across the street from the family house where his mom was able to keep an eye on him from the kitchen window of the family home. He graduated from Pacific High School in San Bernardino in 1966. In 1967, Jim joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

Jim’s career revolved around the grocery industry and started with Stater Brothers Markets where he met his wife JoNell at the Whittier location on Mills and Mines. Jim and JoNell married in 1972 and moved to Yorba Linda, CA that same year. He later became the store manager at the location on Kellogg and Orangethorpe in Anaheim before leaving the company in 1982. Shortly thereafter he joined Mother’s Cookies as a salesman and promoted to district manager prior to retiring in 2008 after 26 years with the company.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister Joan Siefert in 2015. He is survived by his wife JoNell, children: Nick Christiansen, Jimmy (& Rosie) Christiansen, Lisa (& Chris) Wilson, sister Judy (& Lee) Sena, brother John Christiansen, 5 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim leaves a lasting legacy of hard work, loyalty to his family and country, and kindness to all those who knew him. He will always be remembered for his infectious laughter, his generosity and enjoyment in all of life’s offerings. He will be missed dearly.