Thursday, June 1, 2017 ~ 10:30 a.m.
Westside Church ~ Omaha, Nebraska
Interment at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery ~ Maxwell, Nebraska
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 ~ 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Svoboda Funeral Home ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
In Care of the Family for Future Charitable Designation
Earl Jens Christensen, 67, known by all as Jim, entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior Saturday, May 27, 2017 at his home in Mead, Nebraska. Jim was born June 20, 1949 to Carl and Margaret (Campbell) Christensen in Loup City, Nebraska, and was the second of three children: brother Robert L. Christensen and sister Carla A. Freeman (Leon). Jim grew up on a ranch near Taylor, Nebraska and graduated from Loup County High School in 1967.
Jim served in the Army in Vietnam as a Private E-1 in the 9th Transportation Company from January 1968-1969. He met his wife Shirley L. Behrens at Mead, Nebraska, and they were married January 22, 1972.
Jim worked at Valmont Industries for 27 years and was an over-the-road truck driver for 12 years until his retirement in 2012. Jim was a sober member of AA for 30 years and went on to help many others in their sobriety. Jim loved to spend time with his grandchildren, family and friends, and was an active member at Westside Church.
In their 45 years of loving marriage, Jim and Shirley were blessed with three children: son Joe A. Christensen (Laura); son Marty J. Christensen (Trisha); daughter Kayla R. Engel (John); and grandchildren Patton and Chase Engel; Mason, Micah and Katie Christensen; and Clark and Daphne Christensen.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Margaret, and grandson Charles Grant “Charlie” Christensen.
Shirley and family, We are very sorry for the loss of your husband and father and Grand father.You will be in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness. May God Bless all.
Shirley, Ronnie and I send two of the biggest hugs you can imagine. We were so sad to hear about Jim’s accident. You are in our prayers and please know that we love you!!! One Day at a Time has a new meaning I am sure but stay in your program and I know you will get thru this with God’s Grace. Love always
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. Makes one realize how precious each day is. Happy for Jim as he gets to see Jesus face to face,sad for the family who has to live with this huge void in their lives.Praying for angels of peace and comfort to just surround you through this difficult time.
Jim was a nice guy. You can’t fake nice. Such wonderful memories growing up with Jim. So proud of his sobriety. Rest In Peace my friend and cousin
So sorry to hear of Jim”s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Dear Jim and all those reading that love him,
I didn’t know you long, but the short while that we spent together was meaningful. I want to thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight so freely over the last couple years. Your friendship has played a key role in my sobriety, and more importantly, the joy and love that I’m experiencing as a result. Hearing of your passing brought me great sadness. You will be truly missed in the circles that you brightened with your company.
May God keep you in His tender embrace,
Friend of Bill W.
We extend our sympathy to the family of Jim.
Shirley & family. So sad to hear of Jim’s passing. In my thoughts and prayers. Serretta ( Sam ) Winchell
Dear Shirley & Family–You have my sincerest sympathy at this sad time of loss in your lives. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you and bring you comfort. You are in my prayers. Roma
We are so sad to hear of Jim’s loss. Sending you and your family prayers of comfort and love from all. God Bless!
Shirley, family, we are so sorry for Jim’s passing. We met you both only for a short time at the resturant with Larry and Kathy but it was like we knew you all of our lives. Thank you Shirley for being there for our Kathy.
Fred, Jodie Veleba Bellevue NE
Shirley and Jim were always so supportive of me as I taught all 3 of their children at Mead Public Schools. Jim always had a smile on his face and something positive to say.
Your family is in our prayers. Jim was a great man and will be missed by many.
Charlie and family, this was such a terrible tragedy. Words can’t express the sadness and shock we feel. We pray that your faith will help you and the family through the grief and despair and give all of you the strength to get thru this difficult time. Thank you Charlie for all the support you and Jim gave to the boys and their families. We love you.
Houston, Rhonda, Dallas, Austyn and Tyler
Justin, Stephanie, Merideth and Griffin
My prayers & thoughts are with you.
Shirley, I am so terribly sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You and your family are in my prayers!
To Shirley, Joe, Marty, Kayla, extended family and all who knew Jim. Our sincerest condolences, Jim will be greatly misses by all who knew him.
Scott & Sheena Else Wahoo, NE
our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Shirley, around you and your family are prayes, hugs, hope, blessed assurance, amazing grace, and love from the deep friendships you treasure. God is with you!!
Shirley and family, I’m so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing! I will be praying for the peace of God that passes all understanding. My deepest sympathy!
Shirley, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Just found out about it in a Christmas card from Fred Sebesta. I also graduated with Jim. So glad to see Jim at each reunion I attended. You couldn’t ask for a nicer guy. Jim was a great friend. A sad day for me. We didn’t make it to the 50th reunion so I wouldn’t have heard about Jim then either. Sending deepest sympathy, God bless you and your family. I know the Holidays will be hard for you. Jim will be greatly missed. Take care! Howard & Judy Bunner