Obituary of James Jensen

JAMES E. JENSEN, age 77 of Lodi, passed away on Thursday, March 25th in Stockton. Dr. Jensen was born in Albert Lee, Minnesota on September 19, 1926 where he grew up and attended local schools. He married Patricia Jule Johnson on September 3, 1949. Dr. Jensen received his Bachelor?s and Master?s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota and began his teaching career in White Bear, Minnesota. In 1954 he moved to Merced, California and taught elementary school and later became a principal. He earned a Doctorate in Educational Policy from the University of California at Berkeley in 1965. In 1967 he took a legislative position with the President Pro Tem of the Senate, Howard Way. He was the Director of Governmental Affairs for the California State Colleges and Universities for 20 years, retiring in 1990. He is survived by two daughters, Margaret Meyers of Lodi and Kti Jensen of Hendersonville, Tennessee; grandson, Harrison Meyers, sister, Patricia Jensen of Minnesota. Preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Jule Jensen on August 30, 2000; twin sons, Matthew and Andrew Jensen, son, Ned Jensen, and sister, Anne Lein. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday at noon at Merced District Cemetery, 1300 B St., Merced and a Celebrtation of Life on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Margaret Meyers, 16016 Tecklenburg Rd., Lodi. A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories may be shared. There will be no visitation. Arrangements under the direction of Lodi Funeral Home.