James R. Christie

James Ralph Christie

January 5, 1958- May 30, 2025

James "Jim" Christie passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born and raised in Moweaqua Illinois to James and Linda. Jim was a proud graduate of Moweaqua High School Class of '76 and later earned his Bachelor's Degree from Ohio State University. On August 21st, 1982 Jim married the love of his life Dawn, who remained by his side, holding his hand until his final breath. Together Jim and Dawn had 3 children, daughters Ashleigh (Charlie) McCleave of Walkerton, Britanny (Cameron) Christie-Kucela of Mishawaka and son Joshua (Bobby) Christie of Berrien Springs, Michigan. Jim’s children gifted him with 5 grandchildren, Branden (Kaydee), Benjamin, Madison, Kenzi and Piper, whom he loved very much. Jim began his career in law enforcement in 1982, spending most of his career with the Walkerton Police Department. Jim’s love for law enforcement began as soon as he was able to drive. In Moweaqua he would hang out with Police Officer Bob Moore until late at night. In the morning it would be hard for him to get up to go to school which frustrated his little brother Tim who didn't want to be late. Many people may not know but after experiences with his daughter Ashleigh’s heart condition, Jim became a certified open heart Perfusionist, a highly trained medical professional responsible for operating a bypass machine during his lifelong love of being a Police Officer. One of Jims favorite things to do was to ride around in one of many of his classic cars, listening to his 8 track player. Jim was a founding member of Walkerton Bible Baptist Church and could never start a day without a morning devotional. Jim was iconic for having a cigarette in one hand and a Caseys General Store cup of coffee in the other hand. An entrepreneur and member of the town of Walkerton, it won't be the same without "Father Christie". Along with his family, Jim is survived by his brother, Tim (Lee) Christie of Atlanta, Georgia. Jim is also survived by friends that became family, Matt Schalliol, Charles Kulp, Wesley Walls and Laurie Schauer.

Jim loved organizing and participating in car shows. If you have a classic car, please drive it to the ceremony, as we will have a designated area for a car show in Jim’s honor.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Jim on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, with a visitation from 2:30-5:30 at John Glenn High School following a service at 6PM. A procession of honor will immediately follow the service.

Pastor David Clark from Walkerton Bible Baptist Church will be officiating the service.

Hanley and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements wish to extend deepest sympathy to all of Jim’s Family and Friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James R. Christie, please visit our floral store.