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MJ Christensen

 

M. J. Christensen Elementary School was named to honor the memory of a man who was not only a successful businessman, but also one who spent time as a Nevada legislator and shaper of the Las Vegas business community.

 

Marcus Joy (M. J.) Christensen was born in Brigham City, in 1899. His mother died when he was very young, and he was subsequently raised by his grandparents.

 

Following graduation from Box Elder High School in 1918, M. J. spent two months in the army stationed at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. In 1919 he was sent on a twenty-two month mission to Illinois.

 

In 1927, M. J. Christensen was hired as a railroad watch inspector. He continued his work as a watch inspector even though he opened a small jewelry business in a drug store in 1939.

 

In 1941, Mr. Christensen opened his first jewelry store. Between 1941 and 1981, M. J. Christensen jewelry stores were opened at a variety of locations.

 

Mr. Christensen was elected to the Nevada State Assembly in 1952, serving four terms. In 1967 he was elected as a State Senator in Nevada.

 

M. J. also helped to shape business in the City of Las Vegas as president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce in 1954. During the same year he also served as the second president of the Better Business Bureau, which he helped to form in a previous year.

 

Marcus Joy Christensen was a storyteller who loved theatrics. His grandchildren remember him for his storytelling and his love of ice cream.

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