James Christensen

James Russell Christensen

“King James”

November 26, 1960 ~ March 18, 2014

Our loving husband, father, son and brother, James Russell Christensen, 53, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.  He was born on November 26, 1960 in Salt Lake City, and adopted by loving parents, Gordon V. and Doreen Louise Crofts Christensen.  He was raised in Ogden and graduated from Bonneville High School where he received the Sterling Scholar Music Award.  He attended Weber State University and BYU and was a member of the Synthesis Jazz Band.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served an LDS mission to Buenos Aires Argentina.

James married his sweetheart, Vali Sotomayor, on August 27, 1987 in the Jordan River LDS Temple.  They had 26 years together and raised two beautiful daughters.

He was a songwriter and poet.  James loved music and was self employed as a musician.  Music was his life!  He also enjoyed reading, intellectual discussions, and making new friends with anyone.

Jimmy was known by all for his passion and endurance.  His life was one of endless hardship and disappointment.  He suffered greatly, but taught those in his life about never giving up.  He sincerely loved every day that he had the opportunity to live life.

We thank those friends who overlooked his added disabilities through the years and recognized the handsome, charismatic, youthful man James was.

James is survived by his loving wife, Vali; daughters, Starr and Kandee-Rae Christensen; parents, Gordon and Doreen; brother, David Christensen; and sister, MaryAnn (David) Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Lynn; and brothers, Gordon Ray, Larry and Gary.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Valley 3rd Ward, 5640 South 850 East, South Ogden.  Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.