James "Jim" Lowell Christenson

James Lowell “Jim” Christenson February 16, 1938 – February 18, 2020 James Lowell “Jim” Christenson, age 82, of Park Rapids, MN peacefully entered Heaven on Tuesday February 18, 2020 at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. Jim was born on February 16, 1938 in White Oak Township to Arnold and Gladys (Larson) Christenson. He graduated from Nevis High School in 1957 and he was in the top 10 (out of 11) students! Jim moved to the Twin Cities in 1959 and then in 1961, he attended barber school while working the night shift at Minnesota Rubber. He returned to Park Rapids in 1962, where he began his lifelong career as a barber. He worked alongside Red Rider until Red retired and then the shop became known as “Jim’s Barber Shop” for a half a century, until his retirement in 2011. Jim prided himself as a valuable community member with countless volunteer hours. Some of his achievements included: Captain of the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, various committees for the Riverside United Methodist Church, President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Spearheaded the Medora horseback rides in 1988 through 2007, and rode horseback for the Itasca State Park Centennial Wagon Train in 1991. But his biggest joy in life was his family. He enjoyed hunting with Ginny, and his family. Horseback riding was a lifelong passion with family and friends. He hauled many a horse to his children’s 4-H shows and High School rodeos. Camping, a good game of cards, board games, or dominos, along with an occasional brandy always brought out a good laugh. When Jim was no longer able to ride horses, he continued to enjoy the outdoors with his Ranger. Jim is survived by his lifelong companion and the love of his life, Ginny; daughters: Shelley (Dale) Vadnais, LeAnn Christenson and Mike Hinton; sons: John (Denise) Christenson, and Brian (Hope) Christenson; and foster daughter, Rose (Cleo) Williams; Kent, Pam, Mitch, Nick, and Daniel Christianson; Kim, Keith and Brinley Lapinoja; Kyle and Parker Christianson; 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren (Jim loved to hold the babies!); sisters: Betty Hanson, and Arlene (Phil) Husby; brother, Dennis (Debbie) Christenson; extended family: Rick (Keila) Cochran, Tim (Sheree) Cochran, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Gladys; brothers: Harold and Mike; sister Marlys, brother-in-law’s, Dick Bodem, Vern Hanson, Gunnar Husby, Jim Walters; sister-in-law, Joan Christenson; great-grandson, Riley Schaller; and half-brother, Alton Christenson. Visitation will be held 10 AM Saturday, August 8, 2020 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home, Park Rapids, MN followed by the memorial service at 11 AM. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com