James Dalbert Christensen was born in Thomas, OK on April 30, 1929 to Dalbert Williams and Nola Ann (Russell) Christensen and passed away at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City on Friday, March 6, 2015. He was raised in Thomas where he graduated from Thomas High School in 1947. He was the first FFA member from Thomas to receive the State Farmer award. Jim attended Southwestern State College in Weatherford and received three bachelor degrees in secondary education, business and accounting. He had a double masters degree from Oklahoma State in accounting and school administration. He then earned a professional certificate in education from the University of Oklahoma. He entered the Korean War in 1952 as a liaison between the Army and the Department of Agriculture. He was stationed in Fort Reno near El Reno, Oklahoma where he met his wife, Jo Imboden, while she played the piano and organ at the First Christian Church in El Reno. They were married on November 25, 1953 and made their home in Stillwater, Oklahoma while both of them received their masters degrees. Jim and Jo subsequently made their home in El Reno as both of them taught in El Reno Schools and Jim became principal of Rose Wicher Elementary School from 1957 until 1961 when they moved back to the farm. In addition to teaching in El Reno, he taught nights at the Federal Reformatory and continued farming in Thomas. In addition to farming in Thomas for his entire lifetime, he established several businesses with his family, including The Lyn Theater in Thomas at the age of 21, Christensen Fertilizer, Stockmans Supply, Christensen Implement, AMAC Petroleum, Cusco Energies, and several others. He continued to operate his businesses until his death. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren and engaging in business.

He is survived by three sons, Wade and wife, Mary Fallin of Oklahoma City, OK, Drew and wife, Rameen of Thomas, OK and Clay and wife Gail of Edmond, OK; daughter, Jane VanFossen and husband, Vince of Tulsa, OK; brother, Bill Christensen and wife Yvonne of Geary, OK; sister Liane Stubbs and husband, Thurman of Hydro, OK. Jim is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Kayli, Blake, Trent, Trey, Adam, Erica, Christina, Brittiany, Kimmy, Price, Alex, Byant, Rachel, Abbey, Haley, and 4 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way as well as his special friend Joan Reinhard. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 35 years, Jo Christensen and subsequent wife of 18 years, Vinita Christensen, 1 sister, Colleen Frans; and granddaughter, Kelsey Christensen. Memorial donations can be made to the First Christian Church of Thomas.