James M. “Jim" Christensen, 82, of Morris, Ill., and formerly of DeKalb, Ill., and Green Bay, Wis., passed away peacefully with his loving son by his bedside at noon Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013 in Morris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Born June 26, 1930, in the home of his parents, Clarence J. and Sadie (Coddington) Christensen, he received his elementary education in St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in DeKalb and graduated with the Class of 1948 from DeKalb High School, where he was a star athlete lettering in football and baseball. He was offered an opportunity to try out with the minor league team of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

In 1949, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and proudly served his country until 1953, when he received his honorable discharge.