James R. Christy, 78, Rapid City, died Monday Jan. 7, 2008 at his home. James was born Sept. 14, 1929 in Okobojo, SD to Loren F. and Mary Josephine (Lewis) Christy. He graduated from Coolidge High School. He joined the military in 1949 and was honorably discharged in 1951 and continued service in the Army National Guard Reserve for 10 years. James worked for the Rushmore AFS from 1951 to 1957 and then at Ellsworth AFB until retiring in 1985. James is survived by his children Linda and husband Duane Ehlers and children Timothy and Jon, Rapid City; Mike Christy and daughter Rachell, Texas; John Grant Mitchell and his son Eric, Rapid City; Stanley Cole and wife Audrey Mitchell and their children Wesley and Kayla, Rapid City; Lisa and husband Ron Russell and children Angie, Adam, Alicia, John, Matt and Mark, Sioux Falls; Jefrey and wife Julie Christy and children Cassie, Shay, Brayden and Bailey, Rapid City; numerous great grandchildren and 3 brothers, Richard Christy; Larry Christy and Chuck Christy all of California. He was preceded in death by his wife Lu, Feb. 18, 2006, son Mark ‘Wizard’ Eugene Mitchell and his parents.