James Christjans, 83, of Avon

Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Monday, January 19, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Avon. Burial is in the Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. The service will be live streamed on the First Baptist Church, Avon, SD Youtube page. Visitation is Sunday from 2 to 4 PM at the church.

James "Jim" Duane Christjans, 83, passed away on January 13, 2026 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

Jim was born January 7, 1943 in Avon, SD to Ed and Edith (Rueb) Christjans. He graduated from Avon High School in 1961. On February 19, 1962, he married the love of his life, Jean Pritzkau, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, hard work, and devotion to family.

Jim proudly served in the South Dakota National Guard. A true worker at heart, he enjoyed working his entire life and took pride in every job he held. Over the years, he worked at the Mobile Gas Station, Cashway Building Supply, Schultz Readi-Mix, farmed, worked at the Avon Locker, and drove school bus and kept books for sporting events for the Avon School District, always known for his reliability and strong work ethic. Jim also served as a trustee, usher, and Sunday School Secretary for many years at the First Baptist Church.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Christjans of Avon; his daughter, Jackie (Gordy) Salmen of Madison; his son, Jerry (Rochelle) Christjans of Yankton; and his cherished grandchildren: Noah Salmen of Madison, Neely Salmen of Sioux Falls, and Nathan Christjans of Harrisburg; and sister-in-law, Mary Hoferer of Yankton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nathan and Dorothy Pritzkau; his siblings: brother Don (Carol) Christjans and sister, Marian (Bob) Neu.

Jim will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his lifelong commitment to hard work, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life.