James Christen ‘Chris’ Jensen

April 21, 1937 - November 10, 2021

SAN DIEGO —

Born in Vinton, Iowa, he was raised in Lake Bluff, Illinois.

High school years included Boys’ State, Sea Scouts on Lake Michigan, and motorcycles followed by a Model-a Ford. For university, he attended Wesleyan College and Lake Forrest College, finishing at Northwestern University in 1960 with a degree in psychology.

He then was accepted to the Navy OCS and began flight training in Pensacola, Florida, achieving officer status in 1962 as Ensign Jensen. He was based in San Diego and flew helicopter operations aboard the USS Kearsarge aircraft carrier, ending his career as a Lieutenant in 1965.

Following the Navy, Chris began a 20-year career as a test pilot and flight instructor for Hughes Helicopters at Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, commuting from his bungalow in La Jolla. During those years, he also worked abroad in India, Kashmir, Korea, and two lengthy assignments in Indonesia.

Career highlights: Briefing John Wayne for a helicopter flight with Chris’ carrier squadron during the filming of “In Harm’s Way.” Flying an early turbine helicopter to its 26,600-foot technical limits in a demonstration for the Indian military. Picking up two of NASA’S Mercury Astronauts on their splashdowns in the mid-pacific in 1962 and 1963.

Chris’ career was dangerous and exciting, requiring attention to detail and great courage. Many comrades, colleagues, and dear friends were lost to air accidents through the years, which pained Chris greatly. In spite of this, he loved to fly and kept his pilot credentials current as long as he was able. To cap his career, he was selected for lifetime membership in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots - in the company of America’s highest echelon of pioneering pilots and astronauts.

Chris married his girlfriend of 17 years, Gail Pastman, in March 1987, one month before he turned 50. Chris and Gail, whom he called “Hurricane,” were then married for 34 devoted years.

Services will be held January 6th, 2022, at 11am at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.

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