James Raymond Christensen

James Raymond Christensen departed from us on Thursday, February 5, 2015, to be with his loving wife Katie in the stars and heaven above. Jim was preceded in death in May, 2013, by Katie who was his life and support for over 70 years. Jim was born on a farm in Concordia, Kansas on Jan 20, 1921, to his father James Peter Anderson Christenson of Nesby, Denmark and his mother Anna Sena Schultz of Clay County, Missouri. Being the youngest family member, Jim was preceded in death by his three brothers (Arthur, Harvey, Louis) and three sisters (Esther, Marie, Celia). Jim joined the United States Air Force ✈️ in 1942. After training as a Navigator and Bombardier, he served his country in World War II and Korean War. He then served his country as an Electrical Engineer and moved his family across the country an average of every three years. He finally retired from service after 28 years at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. After retiring they moved to Tyler, Texas at Hide-A-Way Lakes where Jim had years of golf tribulations, great memories of RV traveling in Airstreams and motorhomes, and constant card playing with family and friends. He and Katie made their final move to Meridian Retirement Community in Temple, Texas where they lived for over a decade, meeting many great friends, again an enjoyment of card playing, and multiple activities. He was very thankful for the fantastic and continuous supportive staff at Meridian. Jim had numerous awards and service medals during his lifetime. One of his most proudest achievements was the Joint Service Commendation Medal, USAF Joint US Military Aid Group, Greece, July 1965 to August 1968. In addition he enjoyed the membership and participation in Grand Lodge of Texas as Master Mason in Good Standing of T.R. Bonner #764, Tyler, Texas as well as Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., USA. Brother James R. Christensen was an Endowed Member in good standing in the Valley of Dallas, Orient of Texas. Shriners of NA #6721, Regular. He cherished the times and opportunities to drive children to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas. Because of Jim's enjoyment in meeting so many wonderful children, he has requested all memorial contributions be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Attn: Development Department, Dallas, Texas 75219, phone: (214) 559-5000. Jim is survived by his close and loving family of three children Judy Kaye Chaloupka of Wilber, Nebraska, James Raymond Christensen Jr. of Trinidad, Texas, and Peggy Sue Rogers and her husband Thomas Ray Rogers of Temple, Texas; five grandchildren Sara Rogers of San Antonio, Texas, Scott Rogers and his wife Erin of Waco, Texas, Jill Chaloupka of Wilber, Nebraska, Jeff Chaloupka of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Michael Chaloupka of Kansas City, Missouri; and eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. The family would like to thank the staff of Scott and White for the excellent care provided over the years with a special thanks to Doctor Gant and Doctor Reddy. We also want to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful staff of Meridian Health Center who provided the support, love, and care over the last twenty months. Funeral arrangements are provided by Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road, Temple, Texas, phone: (254) 899-8888. www.scanioharperfuneralhome.com A Graveside Service will be February 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery ( 11463 TX 195, Killeen, Texas) where the love of his life Katie is interred and where they will now forever be together.