James Christman III

James “Little Jim” Christman, III departed his earthly vessel Monday, January 9th, 2023, in Palmdale, CA at the age of 94.

Jim was born May 20, 1928, to Isabelle Brown and James A. Christman, Jr. in Sharon, PA.  He was raised in a dedicated family with a generational commitment to the Church of God, West Middlesex, PA.  

Jim’s work ethic was based in the family businesses including a hotel, bar, transportation, furniture moving company and automotive repair.  Jim was drafted by the army where he trained recruits and received an honorable discharge after sustaining injuries while stationed at Fort Dix, NJ.  In his early 20s, Jim invested in an “18-wheeler”, transporting steel and other goods across the US.  While on a truck run to Chicago in 1950, he visited his sister at the Phyllis Wheatley rooming house where he met his soon to be wife, Hazel Burrell. On his next visit to Chicago, Jim and Hazel were married then returned to Sharon. Their union of 52 years was blessed with six children Diane, James IV “Sonny” (Brenda), Patricia, Janet, Cynthia (Edward) and Kim (Harold).    As a dedicated father, he wanted to be sure to provide for future generations and the family moved to Chicago for greater opportunities.   Jim took evening college classes and was employed as a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority until his retirement. Jim and Hazel were members of Emerald Avenue Church of God, where they sowed seeds of faith and education into their children.

Jim was a colorful storyteller to anyone who took the time to listen. He loved to debate and had very strong views on science and creation. Never short on advice, he guided his family and relatives with Godly wisdom. He believed in daily exercise (lifting weights (self-made when necessary), push-ups and pull ups) as curative medicine. Indeed, Jim’s commitment to exercise kept him in “tip-top” condition.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Hazel, daughter Diane, parents, sisters, and a brother. His legacy of faith, education and exercise lives on in his children, granddaughters (Kay-Kay Monique, Christina, Byran and Ashley), grandson (Harold), great grandchildren and brother Russell (Lani). Cherished relatives, family and friends will forever remember him, lovingly.

In lieu of flowers memorials or donations can be made to NACOG, www.nacog.com/giving_house In Loving Memory of James A. Christman, III; to preserve Christman Administration Building. Additional information and the story of how NACOG was founded please visit, www.NACOG.com/history

Lying in State Saturday 10:00 a.m. at Covenant Faith Church of God, 10505 S. Halsted, 60628 until time of funeral services 10:30 a.m. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery. 

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