James Christian Jensen, age 80, a lifelong resident of Kenosha, passed away on December 2nd, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, Laurie. Born on November 2nd, 1944, in Kenosha, James was the son of the late Edward and Alice (Smerchek) Jensen. On March 20th, 1983, he married Laurie Pflueger in Las Vegas, and they shared a loving and steadfast marriage until his passing. James dedicated his life to education, teaching Physical Education at Salem Grade School for 33 years and at Bristol Grade School for 17 years. He also enjoyed coaching basketball at St. Joseph’s High School and Westosha Central High School, leaving a lasting impact on his students and athletes. He retired from Bristol Grade School in June of 2024. James found great fulfillment in helping young people grow and succeed, and he was proud of the many lives he influenced over the years. Outside of his career, James was passionate about the water, spending his free time waterskiing, boating, and swimming whenever he could. He also loved traveling the world with Laurie and cherished the time he spent with his family. James is survived by his loving wife, Laurie Jensen; children Jill (Michael Zwirgzdas) Jensen; Jennifer Kozak, and Jaclyn (Chamous) Duhachek, and grandchildren Alice Jensen, Addisen Jensen, Caitlin Duhachek, Madison Duhachek, and C.J. Duhachek; siblings Jay (Edie) Jensen and Bonnie Erickson; mother-in-law Juanita Pflueger; and brothers-in-law Mark (Denise) Pflueger, Scott (Liny) Pflueger, and Steve (Elene) Pflueger. He is preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on January 4th, 2024 at Bristol Grade School Gymnasium from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street
Kenosha, WI 53142
262-653-0667
Margaret Pawlowski says:
Jim always saw the bright side of life. I remember his wonderful smile and great sense of humor. It was an honor knowing.
Jaclyn says:
I will miss you Jimmy & Papa. You stepped in as my father and showed much love to your grandchildren Maddy, Caitlin & CJ and me. You will be missed terribly. You took our family on many adventures. You taught me how to snow ski, water ski, ride a bike… I cannot possibly list everything you taught me . You drove me to the hospital to give birth to your granddaughter because my spouse was deployed at the time. Maddy saw your face as the first man in her life.. her papa. Your grandchildren are at a complete loss with not having you around anymore. We were lucky to have you in our lives.
Dave Milz says:
I will always fondly remember my lifelong friend, “The Jet!” From being my first ever basketball coach to teacher colleague & mentor to the coach of my very own children and then back together again at Bristol as colleagues but most of all always, always good friends. We loved talking basketball and sharing humor. I’ll always remember his smile and laugh. Thank you for being an important person in my life. Rest in peace, Jim.❤️
Joel Meier says:
Very demanding coach but a great teacher of the game and brought out the best in me. I’ll never forget playing for him in 8th grade
Megan Pflueger says:
Rest in peace Uncle Jim. I’m glad that the last time I saw you, we shared a lot of laughs. Until we meet again. 💛
Courtney Maki says:
I will always remember Jim fondly, and admire the positive impact he had on those around him.
My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Donna (Gordon) Strupp says:
Bonnie, So very sorry to hear about your brother; knowing how very close you were. Prayers to you, Laurie and your entire family. He’s in God’s hands now.
Bonnie Erickson says:
Thank you Donna for writing and your kind words. He was certainly a special brother and friend.
Stephanie Thompson says:
Bonnie dearest friend all of your Michigan friends know what an emotional blow this is to you and your family especially because we have heard heartwarming stories about him. Go softly with the wind dearest brother of Bonnie, in peace and surrounded by love
Stephanie Thompson says:
Losing a special and beloved brother is an awful emotional blow. Your Michigan friends Bonnie have heard heartwarming stories about Jim so we know the impact of this loss. Go softly with the wind, dearest brother of Bonnie , in peace and surrounded by love
Carol Stauss says:
I had Mr Jensen as my grade school gym teacher and he continued to teach many of my grand children. He was one of my most memorable teachers , leaving me with lifelong lessons. Didn’t appreciate it until I was much older :). What a legacy he left !! Rest in Peace
William Washack says:
Laurie and Family,
My Thoughts and Prayers are with You All in this sorrowful time. May God Bless You All and Keep You Safe in Your Journey Forward … Amen