John T. Christiansen

Born to Ann Jones Christiansen and John M. (Jack) Christiansen on November 24, 1944, in Miami, Florida, John’s childhood was split between his home in Miami Shores, his grandfather’s dairy farm in Hialeah, and summers at his mother’s childhood home in Camden, Alabama. Growing up, John also frequently traveled the East Coast and Caribbean aboard his father’s boat, Flying Fish.

John graduated from Miami Edison High School and Vanderbilt University (1966) where he was a brother of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1969, becoming a lifelong Florida Gator. That same year, he was admitted to The Florida Bar.

John enjoyed a distinguished legal career that spanned more than five decades. He began in partnership firms before founding the Law Offices of John T. Christiansen, P.L. in West Palm Beach. Widely regarded as a legal icon in family law, he earned deep respect from colleagues and opponents alike for his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to ethical practice. A leading authority in his field, John received numerous honors throughout his career, including the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer reviewed recognition for legal ability and ethics. John’s cases permanently changed core tenets of Florida law. Many lawyers today navigate the precedent John created. He represented many prominent and influential clients, but he was equally devoted to serving those in need and rarely turned away anyone seeking guidance or representation. John’s legacy extends through his family as well: both of his sons, as well as his nephew, followed in his footsteps and became attorneys, continuing the family’s proud legacy.

On the weekends, John spent time at his beloved ranch in Jupiter Farms, The Bloody Machete, enjoying the outdoors with family and perfecting the landscape with mowers and machetes. He generously supported charitable causes and frequently hosted massive and memorable barbecue fundraisers at the ranch, benefiting both local charities and the Palm Beach County community. He served for many years as a dedicated board member of Place of Hope, supporting victims of human trafficking from the organization’s inception alongside John’s church, Christ Fellowship.

John was also known for great generosity by his friends, as well as his quick wit, loyalty, wicked sense of humor, and his larger than life personality. He loved spending time with his friends and family in the Bahamas, fishing, diving, and boating. He inherited his passion for sport fishing from his parents, Ann and Jack, both accomplished world-class tournament anglers.

John is survived by his loving wife, Joann Wang; his children, Ann Lee Christiansen Gray (Robert) of Jupiter, Florida; John Thomas Christiansen Jr. of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Maxwell Meyers Christiansen of Miami, Florida; and Kelly Christiansen Franklin (Hayden) of Houston, Texas; his stepchildren, Maria and Joey, whom he and Joann loved visiting in Hawaii and Boston; his grandchildren, Julia Margaret Christiansen Gray, Robert Christiansen Gray, and soon to be newest member of the family, named in honor of his late grandfather, Wyatt John Franklin who will be born in 2026; his nephew, Eddie E. Stephens, III of West Palm Beach, Florida; and his niece, Paige D. Bressler of Gainesville, Florida.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, Jack (d. 1976) and Ann (d. 2001), and his sister, Jan Stephens (d. 1987).

John leaves behind a lasting legacy of hard work, compassion, laughter, and living life to the fullest, always with family first.

Visitation will be held at Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458, US, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 9:30 am at the funeral home. A Committal Service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in West Palm Beach, FL.