Jim Christman was born in Paulding, Ohio and moved to California when he was 10yrs. of age.  At 16 yrs. of age Jim moved backed to Ohio and joined the Marine Corps at 17 yrs. old.  Jim went to basic training at Paris Island and was part of the Engineer Corps.  While stationed in the United States Jim was stationed at Camp LeJeune and Camp Pendleton.  Jim was deployed to Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was in Vietnam for 4 years.  During his time in Vietnam he fought in the Battle of Khe Sanh, The Tet Offensive, the Battle of Dak Vinh and several other battles.  On June 5, 1969 Jim was married to the love of his life Connie Jackson in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Jim received an honorable discharge from the Marines in 1972 with the rank as Staff Sergeant.  After being discharged Jim worked at Teledyne Steel Foundry for 10 yrs.  In 1982 Jim rejoined the military, this time with the Navy.  Early in his Navy career Jim was on the West Coast being stationed in both California and Washington State.  During his time in the Navy Jim was an Engineman on board the aircraft carrier the USS Ranger.  He was part of several deployments to the Persian Gulf in the 1980's.  Towards the end of his Navy career Jim was sent to Great Lakes, Illinois as a Company Commander (Drill Sergeant).  In December of 1991 Jim retired from the Armed Forces, as a Petty Officer First Class and relocated to Wisconsin.  During this time Jim continued to learn more about woodworking, vegetable and flower gardening.  In 1996 Jim moved to Texas to attend the Southwestern Assembly of God Seminary and he was able to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Theology.  After receiving this degree Jim again went back to learning about woodworking, vegetable and flower gardening.  During this time, he became a master gardener in Johnson County, Texas.  In 2016 Jim moved to Springfield, Missouri and continued his love of woodworking, vegetable and flower gardening.  He also had a passion for reading and spent much time in his library reading and taking care of his books.

Preceded in death by: Father-Justus Christman, Mother-June Christman and Sisters Sheryl and Priscilla

Survived by: Jim is survived by his wife Connie Christman, his two sons and their wives-Barry and Missy Christman-Jason and Lora Christman and five grandchildren.  Brianna Christman, Trevor Christman, Justus Christman, Aiden Christman and Austin Christman.

Visitation: Thursday, 16 May 2019, 10-11am at Clarks Chapel, James River Church South Campus, Ozark, Mo. (South side of church)

Service: Thursday, 16 May 2019, 11am at Clarks Chapel, James River Church South Campus, Ozark, Mo. (South side of church)

Officiant: Pastor Mark Wright

Cemetery: Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Springfield

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans.