James Christensen

James C. Christensen, age 88, of Springfield, Michigan passed away on August 21, 2022, surrounded by his family.  He was born on September 14, 1933, in Bradley, Michigan the son of Hans and Hazel (Jones) Christensen.  Jim graduated in 1951 from Wayland Union High School, then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University in 1954.  Jim was united in marriage on November 10, 1956, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Marjory Smith.  He and his wife lived in Springfield for over 60 years.  Jim started teaching at Springfield Jr. High School, then went on to teach at Springfield High School from 1957 to 1990.  After the closing of Springfield High School, Jim taught at Battle Creek Central High School from 1990 to 1994.  Jim was inducted into the Battle Creek/Springfield Hall of Fame. Jim was the starter for the Springfield lions relays for over 50 years.  In Jim’s youth he received a batting award from then Congressman Gerald R Ford. Jim was an avid sports fan, he and his wife Marjory traveled to all the ball parks in the United States and Canada while vacationing. They also traveled to all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Blanche Vreeland,  Ethel Franks and Betty Franks, and a brother; Donald Christensen.  Surviving are his wife; Marjory Christensen of Springfield, children; Katherine (Jim) Allard of Mishawaka, IN., Denise (Harry) Burdett of Springfield, Mary Beth (Philip) Mezo of Haltom City, TX., Ralph (Laura) Christensen of Howell, MI., Patricia (Ronald) Nelson, Laura (Thomas) Ledbetter, both of Springfield, and Julia (Tim) Robertson of Battle Creek, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and multiple “adopted” children.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Funeral service scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Rev. Roy Henry officiating.  Interment to follow at Reese Cemetery, Springfield, MI.  Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Diabetes Association or the Springfield High School all class reunion.  Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org