Jim grew up in Faulkton, SD and graduated high school in 1959. After graduation he attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota where he received a BA in Political Science. While attending college he met Susan Voigt from Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Jim and Susan were united in marriage in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on April 11, 1964; 3 children were born to this union; Wendy, Scott, and Marc
Jim entered the United States Air Force after college and he and Susan embarked on a 20 year active duty adventure. Their adventure began in San Antonio, Texas and then were stationed in London England. While in England their eldest child, Wendy was born. Jim received orders to Thailand for a year so Susan and Wendy headed back to the states. After Jim’s tour in Thailand he received orders to Tacoma, Washington where their second child, Scott was born. After a couple years in Washington Jim and the growing family were sent to Fairbanks Alaska. Their third child, Marc, arrived while in Alaska . While serving in Alaska the family got their next set of orders to Rapid City, South Dakota. From South Dakota they landed in their final duty station in Omaha Nebraska. Jim retired after 20 years of active duty. Wanting to keep serving his country he continued his career as a civil servant putting in another 25 years.
Omaha was a wonderful place to raise his family and watch it grow. He loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren. He was very involved in the Springfield community. Active with the Springfield VFW Post 9558 and American Legion Post 143, for many years you could find Jim organizing Legion baseball activities as well as supporting as many programs as he could within the Platteview school district. The school’s annual Veteran’s Day Program would not be what it is today without Jim.
Jim and Susan have enjoyed traveling to many places together along with friends over the course of their retirement. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Tom Jenson.
He is survived and deeply loved by his wife of 58 years Susan Jenson (Voigt), his dogs Addie and Posie; his daughter Wendy (Jody) Stack; grandchildren Erika (Kaleb) Schelhaas, grandson Dalton Stack; son Scott (Angie) Jenson; granddaughter’s Emma and Mackenzie; son, Marc (Jenn) Jenson, granddaughter’s Kortni and Kayla. Sisters: Billie Conlon-House, Jody Dickinson; sister Linda (Derald) Shaw, brothers: Bob Jenson, John (Alice) Jenson; sister: Nancy Mack; sister in law Patricia Jenson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
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