James Dewey Christensen

Jim was born on December 26, 1930 in North Logan, Utah to Nephi Birch Christensen and Stella Julia Hancock Christensen and was raised in North Logan. He loved his horse and worked on his father’s and other farms as he attended school. Jim enlisted in the military and served two separate stints in the Army Air Corp then the Air Force.

Before serving in the military Jim met the love of his life, Betty Marlene Schoenfeld, in Salt Lake City. Upon returning they were married August 14, 1953 and would have celebrated their 73rd anniversary next month. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Brent James Christensen and Kirk Douglas Christensen. Kirk died while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Swiss Geneva Mission, the day before his 21st birthday. Their family was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1978.

After attending Stevens-Henager College Jim worked at Tooele Army Depot, Kennecott Copper Company, then as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for more than 30 years. He was a very hard worker and often worked a second job to provide for his family. After living in the same home in Granger/West Valley City for over 50 years they moved to Fairview, Utah for his remaining 20 years.

He enjoyed coaching his two sons in Little League Baseball. He was a Crimson Club Member and avid fan of the University of Utah basketball and football teams. Jim was always willing to help a neighbor. He treated everyone around him as if they were family. To know Jim was to love him as was evidenced by his many friends. He took special interest in everyone he met.

He was known for his big contagious smile, twinkle in his eye, his witty sense of humor and his fun sayings such as: “If you get any better looking I don’t know what I’ll do.” We could always count on him to tell us how many days until Christmas.

After retirement he continued to enjoy gardening, especially his tomatoes, snowmobiling, golf, learning to play the banjo and helping friends, family and neighbors. He leaves a legacy of kindness to all. Thanks for putting so many smiles on our faces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, older siblings, Lillian Mack, Cecil Christensen, Ardis Christensen, and beloved son Kirk Christensen.

Jim is survived by his wife Betty, sister LaRue Koeven, son and daughter in law Brent and Sharon Christensen and five grandchildren: Kelci (Patrick) Thurman, Jamie (Ryan) Morse, Jordan Christensen, Chase (Margaret) Christensen, Dayne (Allyson) Christensen, and 10 adorable great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday, July 17 at 11:00 – 11:45 AM followed by funeral services at 12:00 noon. These services will be at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South West Valley City, Utah. Interment will be at the same location following the funeral.