James Arlo Christensen

Born September 6, 1943 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Jim grew up in Joliet, Illinois, and Gary, Indiana, excelling in academics and basketball. He attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in 3 years and moved on to attend Indiana University medical school in Indianapolis.

Jim met his wife, Marilyn, while in Indianapolis. They married in 1967 and, in 1969, welcomed their first child, Brent. Following the completion of medical school and his internship in General Surgery at Marion County General Hospital in Indianapolis, Jim moved with his wife and son to Tampa. He completed his residency in General Surgery at the University of South Florida, during which time he was the first Director of the Burn Unit at Tampa General Hospital. After both residency and the birth of his daughter, Leslie, Jim and his family moved to Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, where he fulfilled his active-duty requirements for the Air Force as a Major and Chief of Surgery. He returned to Tampa in 1976 and joined the faculty at the University South Florida as an Assistant Professor of Surgery until he began private practice in 1978. Jim worked as a general surgeon until his retirement in 2017.

He was passionate about his work at St. Joseph’s Hospital, serving as Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff and a member of its Board of Trustees. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and gave many hours of professional service to the Judeo Christian Health Clinic. Jim was a world-class doctor and caretaker. He loved his family, friends and St. Joseph’s colleagues, playing golf, and watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his Indiana Hoosiers. An annual trip to Longboat Key surrounded by his entire family and dear friends became a cherished tradition, creating lasting bonds and memories.

His love for his work was apparent in the care he gave to his patients and their fondness of him. During the time spent in the hospital recently, many of the nurses and doctors who cared for him or saw him spoke highly of his wit and character.

Jim is preceded in his death by his parents, Vernard and Karlette Christensen. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Harrington Christensen, son Brent Christensen (Holly), daughter Leslie Christensen Alma, and grandchildren Connor Christensen (Katherine), William Christensen (Celeste), Annabeth Christensen and Maggie Alma.

The family would like to thank Jim’s best friends, Mr. John Biebel, Dr. Jon DiPietro, Dr. Steven Lieber, Dr. Paul Lunseth, Mr. Truman Sicks, and Dr. Mark Vaaler; his caring doctors, Dr. Doug McFadden, Dr. David Hochberg, and Dr. Jose Cura; and his caretaker, Carmen Porras, all of whom cared for and comforted him during his extended illness.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on July 26, 2025 at 11am at the Carrollwood Country Club, 13903 Country Club Drive, Tampa, FL 33618. A private family burial will be held at a US military cemetery.

In his memory, the family asks that donations be made in Jim’s name to: Judeo Christian Health Clinic, 4118 N. Macdill Ave, Tampa, FL 33607; or Indiana University Foundation, 1500 IN-46, Bloomington, IN 47408; or a charity of your choice.