James W. Christensen, 81, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born Dec. 20, 1924, in Havre, the son of 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 and Light, for which he received many awards for his outstanding service. He retired in 1988.

He was active in the Civil Air Patrol and in 1966 became commander of the Kalispell Squadron. He was interested in hunters' safety, and throughout the years he received awards for teaching and certifying Montana's youths in hunter safety. Jim loved just 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, the Civil Air Patrol-Kalispell commander and Duck's Unlimited.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Christensen, of Kalispell; his children: Larry Kjorvestad and wife, Teresa, of Polson, daughter, Sharon Kjorvestad, of Ronan, and son, James Vold, of Seattle; a brother, Albert Christensen, and a sister, Evelyn Paugh, both of Havre; a grandson, Tony Olson, of Missoula; a granddaughter, Deanna Olson, of Havre; and a great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Boucher, of Havre.

Graveside services for James Christensen will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Bob Nilsen officiating. There will be no public visitation.

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 and Crematory is caring for James' family.