James "Jim" Vernon Christensen, age 80, of Waubun, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Jim was born on October 1, 1944, in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Milo and Verna (Rue) Christensen.  He grew up on a small dairy and grain farm with his parents, three brothers: Merlin, John, and Dan, and one sister, Sandy.

Jim went to Waubun School and graduated in 1962.  From a young man, he did farm work and drove truck for his dad's milk hauling route. In September of 1964, Jim married Carol (Kvare), his high school sweetheart.  They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  In the early years of their marriage, Jim worked hard at many jobs.  He was an over the road trucker, worked at a plastic factory, did road construction, and janitorial work.  In 1978, he and Carol purchased the café in Waubun and owned and operated Jim's Café until 1983.  After leaving the restaurant business, Jim worked for the City of Waubun and owned and operated a school bus.  For 11 years Jim worked at Dynamic Homes in Detroit Lakes doing specialty projects on homes such as bannisters, trim work, etc.  Upon his retirement from Dynamic Homes, Jim joined Carol as a partner in Country Rose Floral in Mahnomen, MN. He also served on the Waubun Volunteer Fire Department for 27 years.

Jim and Carol had two children, Maria and Glenna.  He was very proud of his daughters and loved them unconditionally.  Jim was a very quiet "dad" and usually kept to himself, but he did have the knack for a good one liner or a zinger occasionally.  Some would say he was a silent man but oh so powerful in his presence.   He was a "fun" dad and had a hard time telling the girls no, which drove Carol crazy.  He spoiled them rotten, but a girl can't get spoiled by being loved too much.

Jim was blessed with six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; this made him even more proud than being a dad.  He held a special place in each of their hearts. Watching the grandkids sporting events, building them wood projects that they asked for, making deer sausage, fixing anything that was put in front of him, and all the special items he made for each of them with his bare hands.  A man of few words but many talents.

He could fix anything or figure out how to make anything run, always in a calm and organized manner. His words of wisdom were sought after by many, whether it was a gardening question, an electrical question, or packing a trunk (pretty sure he could wave a wand and make 20 boxes fit into a space meant for 5 boxes). Part of his wisdom probably came from the fact that if he was sitting down, there was a book in his hand.  He especially loved reading books on Minnesota history.

Jim's creative side was found in his love of woodworking, shown in his beautiful decoys, duck, fish, and loon carvings.  He was a master craftsman, making pieces of furniture for his daughters and grandchildren.  He was also known for his excellent cooking and baking skills.

He was a devoted husband, an amazing father, a wonderful grandfather "Gpa" and great grandfather, and a friend to many.  Jim's kindness was evident in everything he did and to all who knew him.  We will miss your voice, your advice, your Mr. Fix-It capabilities, but most of all your hugs.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol; daughters, Maria (Pat) Bertram and Glenna (Wade) Otto; grandchildren: Samantha (Clay), Meghan (Anthony), Andrea, Lindsey, Josh (Samantha), Sydney (Ben); great grandchildren, Quintin and Maxton; brother, Merlin; sister, Sandy; sisters-in-law, Marge and Zimmie, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  Jim is greeted in heaven by his parents; in-laws, Charles and Marie Rosenberg; brothers, John and Dan; brother-in-law, Wimp; sister-in-law, Laura; nieces, Kim and Sheila; and nephew, David.

For those who loved Jim, "How lucky are we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." (Winnie the Pooh quote that has been revised to read we instead of I)

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Circles of Faith, United Church of Christ in Waubun, MN. A Time of Gathering will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be held at the Waubun City Cemetery.