James W. Christensen

Jim was born Jan. 19, 1946, in Oconto, Wis., son of the late Russell and Hildegard (Brusewitz) Christensen. He married Elizabeth Hupp on June 26, 1965, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Liz preceded him in death in 2007.

Jim was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator for many years working for Bob’s Homes, and Dickinson Homes among other operator positions he held.

He was known as The Bear to family and friends and even had a grand dog, Little Bear, named after him. Jim spent his time splitting wood for the winter, drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon beer by the fire at camp, and feeding Little Bear ginger snaps dunked in coffee. In his last year of deer season he tagged a beautiful eight point buck that he was so proud of.

He was full of knowledge, from planting veggies just to give away to his friends and family all the way to building or fixing anything and everything he could get his hands on. He loved driving big rigs and dump trucks as well as operating heavy equipment. He bragged that he could pluck the hat off of a person standing nearby with the excavator without touching the person. He was adored by all of his grand fur babies. As soon as they heard his truck they would come running because they knew they would for sure be getting treats.

Jim was a member of American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, gardening, cutting wood and spending time with family at camp.

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Fiorucci of Kingsford; a daughter-in-law, Donna Christensen; two grandchildren, Tianna and Levi Fiorucci; a brother, Donald (Sharon) Christensen; five sisters, Shirley Siech, Alice Denis, Sue Srenaski, Peggy Christensen and Cathy Christensen; many nieces and nephews; and a grand dog, Little Bear.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was also preceded in death by his son, Theodore “Ted” Christensen; sisters, Jan Engstrom, Marian Butler, and Joyce and Constance Christensen; and brothers, Arling and Vernon Christensen.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Aug. 26 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Kingsford Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford with Msgr. Joseph Gouin officiating.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Bagley.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Jim Christensen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.