James “Jim” Jensen, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away on June 26, 2024. Jim was born in Rushford, Minn., to James Bertram Jensen and Helen Penschuk Jensen.
Before a year at the University of Hawaii, Jim attended Carleton College. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and later received his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. As a lawyer, Jim worked at the Area Agency on Aging in Winona, Minn., and at Legal Services at Bankers Systems in St. Cloud, Minn.
Jim most enjoyed his time in VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) as a neighborhood organizer in Houston, Tex., and as co-owner with his wife, Julia (Julie) of the Wild Bird Center in Waite Park, Minn. They sold the store in 2004 and in 2006 they moved to Bella Vista where Jim played golf and chess, sang in a garage band they called the BVs or Geezers, and participated in a writing group. Jim loved Bella Vista so much you’d think he worked for the Chamber of Commerce.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Maureen, and nephew Tim Keil.
He is survived by his wife Julie, stepsons David Kellum (Yasuko) of Osaka, Japan and Bradley Kellum (Grace) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; stepgrandchildren Anderson, Liam and Sara; sister Margaret Berg (Ron), nephew Jeff Keil (Connie), nieces Jennifer Charpentier (Gabe), Lisa McGuire and Heather Nakamura (Gary); two grandnieces and a grandnephew.
A memorial service will be held in late August. More details to follow.
Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
Jaine Benson says
Thanks for talking to us when we were kids! We used the theatre flowerbed to sit and visit that one summer of 1970 or 71! I seem to recall you had read 45 books in one summer! You set the bar high! Legend!! You brought a glimpse of a wide world to us and wrote adventure into our hearts! RIP valiant traveler! Thank you!