James Russell Christensen

In Memory of Jimmy Christensen James Russel Christensen passed away at his home in Ocala, Fl. on Sunday January 16th 2022 after a brave and painful fight against cancer. Jimmy was born May 2nd, 1947 in Saginaw, MI to Leatrice (Basile) and James A. Christensen. He grew up in Sag Harbor enjoying nature and the freedom a small village offered. He attended Pierson School, but worked in his senior year, so he attended Southampton High School and received his diploma from The University of the State of New York Education Department. Always ambitious, Jimmy ordered seeds to sell in his neighborhood when he was only ten years old. He later had a Newsday route with nearly 50 customers and won an award for his diligence in delivering to that many customers and adding even more. He liked helping his Gramp in the family men’s clothing store - A.W Basile and Sons. Like most young boys back then he mowed lawns and shoveled snow to earn money, and enjoyed being in the cub scouts. When Jimmy was 19 he enlisted in the US Navy. After graduating from Great Lakes Naval Training Station he applied for the Submarine Service and trained at the New London, CT (Groton) Submarine Base. He was on deployment several times including under the Bering Sea watching Russian submarines. He later returned to Great Lakes for more training at ‘A’ school. He was a senior ‘controllerman’ EM2, eligible for EM1 at the time of his honorable discharge, four years later. He then served two more years in the Naval Reserve. Jimmy moved to San Mateo, Ca, and enjoyed living and working there. He enjoyed music, and while in San Mateo, bought an organ and took organ lessons. He enjoyed playing and singing and had a very nice voice. He later lived in New Jersey where he owned and operated a restaurant - the Top of the Inn. When he returned to Sag Harbor he joined the VFW, Post 9082, and the SHFD, Otto Hose Co, where he was a member for 20 years. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and enjoyed being involved in these worthy organizations. In the Memorial Day parades they had marched in, Jimmy and his father, Chris, were the only father and son pair. Chris marched as a WWII Navy veteran while Jimmy marched in the honor guard as a Vietnam Navy veteran. Jimmy was pre-deceased by his dad, ‘Chris’, on January 14, 2013, and his uncle, Russell F. Basile. He is survived by his mother Lea Christensen, his sister, Toni-Lea Corwin (Tim), his younger brother Richy (Mindy), Southampton, and by his aunts, Gail(Basile) Burns, Farmingdale, and Alice Basile(Russell), Flordia, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jimmy wished to be cremated and his urn is now safely at the home of his brother Richy, surrounded by love. When things are settled there will be a Sag Harbor Fire Department memorial service in his memory. Jimmy hoped that any donations made in his memory would be made to the SHFD, Otto Hose Co., the local VFW, Post 9082, or any animal organization. Jimmy loved dogs and always had them. He enjoyed many friends and had a personality that drew many people to him. His laugh was truly one of joy. Friends will remember Jimmy as a charismatic man who lived a colorful life. As for his family, and especially myself, his mother, Jimmy’s memory will always be in our hearts and minds. Until we meet again, my son.

James Russell Christensen

May 2, 1947 - December 21, 2021