James Craig Christie

Born on June 5, 1960, in Milford, Massachusetts, James “Jay” Christie was the beloved son of Janet R. Goodwin and Harry P. Christie. He grew up in many places, from Massachusetts and New Hampshire to California, then back to Massachusetts, Vermont, and eventually settled in sunny Florida.

Jay earned professional licenses in plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry across multiple states. He went on to oversee maintenance and facilities for a large residential community in Florida. A true jack-of-all-trades, Jay was happiest working with his hands, helping others, and finding solutions to whatever challenges came his way.

Jay was known for his quiet strength, quick wit, dry sense of humor, spirited personality, and, most of all, his authenticity and unmistakable goofiness. No one was more honest or true to himself. Incredibly bright and talented, Jay possessed a spirit that was entirely his own.

A cowboy at heart, Jay loved traveling West to attend rodeos, soak up the sunshine, experience the history, and embrace the adventure. The wide-open spaces, freedom, and high plains seemed to speak to something deep within him.

Those who knew Jay will remember a man who never pretended to be anyone but himself. Unapologetically authentic, he may have had a rough exterior, but beneath it was a genuinely kind and loving heart. Independent, resourceful, capable, funny, honest, confident, and wonderfully unique, Jay was truly one of a kind. With his quick wit and impeccable timing, he had a way of catching people off guard, often when they least expected it. And when Jay had something to say, people stopped and listened.

Above all, Jay was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle A. Diamond; his sister, Kimberly B. Christie, and her husband, Patrick W. Tacelli, of Needham, Massachusetts; and his brother, David K. Christie, and his wife, Carrie Christie, of Wethersfield, Connecticut. He is also survived by his in-laws, Barry and Marsha Diamond of Florida; and his sister-in-law, Suzanne Diamond, and her husband, Brad Hurst, also of Florida.

Jay leaves behind his two beautiful daughters, Amanda Leigh Christie and her husband, Daniel Poster, and Brittany Anne Christie and her fiancé, Christopher Willey, as well as his stepson, Bret Kallergis. He was a beloved uncle to Siena L. Tacelli, Roman S. Tacelli, Marco C. Tacelli, Kelly R. Christie and her wife Hannah Higgins, Jill N. Christie, and Trevor D. Christie. He also leaves three precious grandsons, who will miss their “Jampa” dearly: Milo Harlan Poster, age 8; Remy James Poster, age 5; and Kit Bradford Poster, age 3.

Jay will be deeply missed by his loving friends, extended family, and all those fortunate enough to share in his life. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and the love of everyone who knew him. His spirit, humor, honesty, and unmistakable way of being himself will live on in all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay’s memory to St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota, an organization that held a special place in his heart and that he faithfully supported for more than 20 years. Donations may be made at https://give.stjo.org.

Memorial services celebrating Jay’s life will be held in both Florida and Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, with dates and details to be announced.