James Christianson

James R. Christianson went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2014 in Great Falls, MT.Jim was born March 16, 1938, in St. John, N.D. to Casper and Minnie Christianson. He went to school in St John where he received his high school diploma. Throughout his high school career he participated in many different sports, but he was the star of the basketball team. He continued his education and his basketball career at North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau, N.D. He pursued his degree in forestry for 2 years.The love of Jims life was Deanna Gustafson. They met in grade school and became friends. Finally during college he began to date Deanna, and in June of 1959 they were married. After they were married they relocated to Great Falls, MT where Jim started his long career as a mechanic. He began his apprenticeship at Robinson Motors, and a few years later he moved to Rice Motors. Jim decided to change career paths, and he tested the waters as a salesman. He sold MAC Tools for several years, but he returned to what he knew best and finished out his career as a mechanic at Butterys where he was working on Diesel trucks.Jim had a lot of interests, but religion was the most important part of his life. He was a devout member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Jims other passions included hunting, fishing, archery, golf, RC airplane flying and modeling, as well as all sports. Jim loved to coach sports especially basketball and baseball. He also loved to watch any sporting event on television, but he avidly followed high school sports here in Great Falls. Jim loved to play the guitar as well as sing, and he could also carry a tune with a harmonica. Jim would always make the time for a good card game, his most favorite being 31.Survivors include brothers Larry (Jeanette) and Dennis (Dorothy); son Greg; daughter Susie; grandchildren Amy and Cody; and great-grandchildren Ashton and Brody.He was preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Minnie; his wife, Deanna; 5 brothers Ralph, Emery, Donnie, Tony, and Delmer; and his only sister, Phyllis.Jim embraced every part of his life as he entered into the different phases and stages. He was a beloved brother, husband, father, coach, grandfather, great-grand father, and friend. He will always be remembered as a generous and thoughtful man. He always put everybody elses needs before his own. His kind words, thoughtful stories, and his warmhearted loving smile will always be missed.Visitation will be prior to the vigil from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the vigil beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. A funeral liturgy will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2014 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.