JAMES CHRISTENSEN obituary

KALISPELL

James W. Christensen, 81, died Sunday, June 25, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. A graveside service for James will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Bob Nilsen officiating. There will be no public visitation. He was born Dec. 20, 1924, at Havre to James and Mary K. (Kjois) Christensen. The family homesteaded north of Havre, where he was raised. He was educated in the Havre schools and graduated from Havre High School. He served in the U.S. Army with the 504th Parachute Infantry in 1945-1946. It was during this time that he realized he loved flying and pursued his goal of flying after his discharge. In 1963, he was united in marriage to Rose LaFrance. After moving to Kalispell in 1963, he began a career with Pacific Power & Light, where he received many awards for his outstanding service. He retired in 1988. He was active in the Civil Air Patrol and became commander in 1966 of the Kalispell Squadron. He was interested in Hunter's Safety, and throughout the years, he received awards for teaching and certifying Montana's youth in Hunter's Safety. Jim loved about everything outdoors and was particularly happy when tracking an elk or tempting a fish through a hole in the ice with his dog at his side. He was always able to find that secret huckleberry patch where he and his dog spent many hours picking and eating. Several friends depended on him to provide them with fruit for jams and syrup. He was particularly proud of his gardening skills, planting large gardens to share with family and neighbors. He was well known for his love of auctions and garage sales. He could be found quietly watching the bidding activity and waiting for the right time to place his bid. He was a lifetime member of the Elks of Kalispell, Civil Air Patrol and Duck's Unlimited. He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Rose Christensen of Kalispell; sons, Larry (Teresa) Kjorvestad of Polson and James Vold of Seattle, Wash .; daughter, Sharon Kjorvestad of Ronan; a brother, Albert Christensen of Havre; sister, Evelyn Paugh of Havre; grandson, Tony Olson of Missoula; granddaughter, Deanna Olson of Havre; and great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Boucher of Havre. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, 3499 Highway 93 N, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for James' family.