Kindly consider donating to Jim's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital website: www.stjude.org Phone#: (800)608-3023 Address: 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 Email: donors@stjude.org

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, James Christie, loving husband, father of five and grandfather of seven, passed away at the age of 85. James (Jim) was born on June 4, 1937, the first child of James and Anna (Byrnes) Christie. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, along with his younger brothers Bobby & Richie. Jim had a brief career on Wall Street where he met his wife, Judy. He then joined the NYCTPD where he had a long and distinguished career. Jim married Judy (Davis) Christie on April 30, 1960. They moved to Lindenhurst, NY, in May of 1961 where they spent the rest of their 63 years of marriage and raised their four sons, Mark, Jimmy, Keith and Bobby, and their only daughter, Judy. Jim was a member of the New York City Transit Police Department for 30+ years. He quickly rose through the ranks and ascended from uniformed officer to detective, reaching the highest designation of detective first grade as part of the elite Major Case Squad. James was a decorated officer, receiving numerous commendations and honors for bravery and meritorious duty throughout his career. However, more important to James than professional accolades were the bonds he forged with his brothers in blue. Lovingly known throughout the ranks as “The Babe” and “The Puff”, it was the friendships with his fellow officers and particularly his partners that he cherished most and took with him upon his retirement in May of 1995.

Jim was also a devoted community leader. He joined the Copiague Youth League (CYL) while coaching his four sons in both baseball and basketball and served as a mentor to countless young people throughout those years. Jim continued to demonstrate his commitment and dedication to the youth of Copiague long after his sons aged out of the program, serving as CYL President for 20+ years. To commemorate his years of service, he was inducted into the Copiague Youth League Hall of Fame and had one of the buildings at CYL headquarters at Tanner Park in Copiague named in his honor. In addition, Jim was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus, having the proud honor of holding the title of Sir Knight as a member of the Fourth Degree of Council No. 9267, Our Lady of the Assumption, Copiague, NY. There he promoted Catholic citizenship and participated as a Trustee and Youth Director. Yet, with so much of his time tied to professional and community responsibilities, Jim always made time for what was most important to him, his family. His time spent with his "little girl" was most precious to him. Whether it was daddy-daughter date nights to the movies, shopping excursions, Girl Scout cookie delivery days or even wedding veil shopping, Jim never let his daughter Judy get lost in the craziness of her four brothers. He spent countless Christmas Eve nights staying up all night with his wife Judy putting together toys, wrapping gifts and filling stockings. Jim enjoyed backyard BBQs with his family, and those spent with his brothers Bobby and Richie were most special to him. Those who were privileged to bear witness to these get togethers know they experienced conversations that were the stuff of legend.

Later in life, Jim's greatest pride was his grandchildren, Morgan, Scott, Samantha, Lauren, James, Sara and Abigail. Jim spent his retirement years attending every dance recital, school concert, sporting event and awards ceremony he could possibly attend. He took every opportunity he could to spend as much time with his grandchildren as possible. He was equal parts baby sitter, chauffeur, coach, teacher and #1 fan to all his grandchildren. Absolutely nothing made him happier. Jim was preceded in death by his father James and his mother Anna, his brothers Bobby (Sally) and Richie (Betty), and his sons Mark and Keith. He is survived by his wife Judy, his daughter Judy (Paul) and his sons Jimmy and Bobby (Cathy), his grandchildren Morgan (Anthony), Scott, Samantha (James) Lauren, James, Sara and Abigail, his nieces Mary Ann (Jamie), Karen (Doug) and Peggy (Jeff) and his nephews Frank and John (Beth). He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.