Charles Joseph (CJ) Christ April 19 1929 – May 20th 2026
Every once in a while you happen to be in the right place at the right time. That happened to me about 37 years ago. I was new to the gulf area, as this was where the jobs were and I could still be active in the Reserve. One of the first people I met was a fellow pilot and Ham Radio operator named Charlie K5FNN. We became good friends and did a lot of things together, mostly Ham Radio related. It was through Charlie that I met an old friend of his ( They grew up together ) named CJ Christ.1 C.J., I found out was, like me, a WWII enthusiast. But unlike CJ, I was a pure amateur. CJ had been writing articles for the local paper about the War (WWII) in the Gulf of Mexico. I had been reading them every Sunday when they came out. Turns out Houma was a Navy base that housed some observation Blimps. There are still parts of the Hangers in places on the airfield which is what drew my attention. When I added 2 and 2 and actually came up with 4, I became an instant fan. The articles were finally put in one volume and published. I got a signed copy, of course. CJ was also instrumental in the forming and operating our local Regional Military Museum. He would hold historical discussions weekly and I enjoyed many of them. It was CJ that talked me into donating a large stash of WWII magazines called “YANK” to the museum. They are on display and some of them are available to peruse through. He was also very active in the various local Vet’s organizations. He was always there when you needed him and he helped many local veterans over the years. I knew him as a friend and mentor. I found out about my friend Charlie K5FNN death from him and another mutual friend Jeff. CJ just sat there with me while I processed the loss. Not saying a word, but he was there.
But, as they say, “All good things must come to an end.” I always hated that phrase. With me doing my third and final retirement and am mostly at home these days being caregiver to the SgtMaj, I haven’t been able to see CJ as often (if at all) as I would like. So this morning I did my usual , coffee, walk, more coffee and taking care of the SgtMaj, when I saw a small bit about CJ. on FB. I didn’t see any fanfare or articles just a small paragraph saying the C.J. Christ died at 97 on the 20th of May 2026. That was a month ago! I hope you will forgive me CJ. I never saw a word about it until today. CJ, you will be missed. You did so much for so many (including me). I am not sure about anyone else, but I will not forget the good you brought out in everyone around you. Thank you for the talks, the smiles and the writings that helped us see what went on here at home during the war. The world is a better place because of you. God bless your family. We grieve with you.
May the wind be always at your back. May you Rest in Peace old friend.
Dan June 2026
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Publius says:- There is more about Charlie that I had written about when he went to that Big Ham fest in the sky some years back. but this is about CJ. [↩]