James W. Christenson, 64, Mobridge, SD died on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at his home in Mobridge. Services will be held at a later date. Kesling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James William Christenson

November 17, 1957 - January 2, 2022.

James/Jim/Jamie was born in Des Moines, Iowa, where he lived until 1969 when the family moved to Pine, Colorado, shortly after the death of his sister, Mary Lu.

In 1977, Jim graduated from Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, CO.  During his junior and senior years in high school he also completed two years of training in auto mechanics and repair at Warren Voc.-Tech. Center at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, CO.

Immediately after high school, Jim transported lumber for Moore Lumber Co. in Bailey, CO.  In 1980, he began working in the Custodial Dept. for Jefferson Co. Schools, in Colorado. Jim continued working with them at several different schools until 2010 when he retired as Head Custodian.

December 31, 1998 Jim married Bernita. He not only became a husband, but immediately became a step father/father-in-law. They made their home in Arvada, CO. until moving to Mobridge, S.D. in 2017.

Outwardly Jim was unassuming, quiet and solitary, but inside he was a complete set of encyclopedias.  Never one for large crowds, he'd convey his knowledge during small interactions with family and friends along with a unique sense of humor he'd show when least expected. Jim loved working on cars. After work, he spent his time building, refurbishing and even racing them. Actually, Jim's happy time was building or fixing anything. He bought a bulldozer to install a new septic system at the family home and then used it to help friends build whatever they needed. He built a two story garage so he could restore and build cars, log splitters, or whatever someone needed. He bought and restored houses. After Jim and Bernita married, with the help of his new family, he refurbished the entire house. When the house was done, he/they built a patio and garage in the backyard. At the same time, he also repaired or installed whatever broke or needed fixing for his mom and brothers. He built cradles and toy boxes for the grandchildren. There wasn't anything he couldn't build or fix, or anything he wouldn't do for anybody.

Animals and nature held a cherished place in Jim's heart. Wherever he was, so was his dog. He loved to fish, so he built a fishing cart to carry chairs, and fishing equipment. He would sometimes stay out all night, pole in water, sitting beside a lake, river, or dam, just enjoying the calm of nature.

James/Jamie/Papa is survived by his wife Bernita: three step children and their spouses:  Michelle (Patrick) Scarboro, Melanie (Alexander) Fairfield, Jon (Olga) Pense, six grandchildren: Christian, Sydney, Gabriel, Connor, Daniel, Juliana: and three brothers John, Joseph, and Roger Christenson, all residing in Colorado.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents: Claude and Lucille Christenson, his sister Mary Lu, and several uncles, aunts and cousins.