Jensen, James 'Jim' F.

James “Jim” F. Jensen, 68, of Cedar Rapids, died Oct. 18, 2012, from complications of cancer. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Teahen Funeral Home on F Avenue NW. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 0 22, at St. Jude's Catholic Church, with Father Mark Reasoner celebrating. Friends may also visit the family after 10 a.m. Monday at the church. A private family service will be held at the time of interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Jim was born Nov. 28, 1943, in Estherville, Iowa, the son of Harry Kristian and Mabel Frances (Tindall) Jensen. He was raised on a farm near Ringsted and graduated from Ringsted Community High School. Jim attended Iowa State University and received an A.A.S. degree in mechanical technology in 1963 and a B.S. degree in engineering in 1968. Jim spent many years working at Sara Lee in New Hampton eventually becoming plant manager. In 1991, Jim moved to Cedar Rapids and spent 17 years working at General Mills, retiring in 2008.

On May 29, 1964, Jim was united in marriage with Susan Sullivan at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Armstrong, Iowa. Jim and Sue had four children and seven grandchildren.

Outside of work, Jim could be found doing an endless list of “fix it” projects for Sue and his kids, in his workshop, building rocking horses, giraffe chairs, and other treasures for his grandchildren, or sitting on the deck reading the paper. Jim took great pleasure in simple things. When his kids were young, Jim was known to thrill them by doing the occasional “doughnut” in the church parking lot, and he entertained his young grandchildren by taking them to feed the goats and horses on area farms. He got his wife roses every year on New Year's Eve to remind her of the day they met. His favorite vacations were to Disney World with his children and grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan; son, Tim (Jana) Jensen, and their daughters, Morgan and Abby, of St. Louis, Mo.; daughter, Patricia (Paul) Downing, and their children, Casey, Brooke and Zach, of Eldridge; son, Mike (Sue) Jensen, and their daughters, Ashley and Alex, of Peoria, Ill.; and daughter, Julie (AJ Perling) Jensen of Rwinkwavu, Rwanda, and Decorah.

Also surviving are Jim's brother, Charles Jensen of Tennessee; and sisters, Mary Johnston of Minnesota, Linda Creighton of Arizona, Diane Jensen of Ohio and Joan Badzinski of Minnesota.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald.

Special thanks to Dr. Warren, the entire staff at Iowa Blood and Cancer Care, and 5 Center nursing staff at St. Luke's for their compassionate, loving care for the last six years.

In place of flowers, please direct memorials to the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

Published Oct. 20, 2012 in The Gazette