At the end of life, folks either die with their dreams or with their memories. Charles Joseph "CJ" Christ squarely fell into the later category. With an unquenchable zest for life, CJ traveled the world many times over touching the lives of everyone he met with his infectious sense of humor, yearning for adventure and unending quest for fun. As an avid aviator, mariner, scuba diver and historian, CJ remained an interesting mixture of action and intellect for his entire life.

Born on a farm in Mowata, Louisiana in 1929 as one of seven siblings to Lawrence and Ada (Matt) Christ, CJ moved with the family to Lake Charles, Louisiana during WW2 and attended McNeesce University. He joined the US Air Force in 1949 and flew 23 combat missions over North Korea in B-29 bombers. After military service, CJ made his home in Houma, Louisiana where he remained for the rest of his life. In the mid-1950s, the skies over Houma frequently found CJ giving impromptu air shows in his P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft to anyone who would watch. CJ married Patricia Wurzlow in 1959 then fathered three children.

In the 1970s, CJ operated Houma Aviation at the Houma Airport as a very successful aviation business. Into the 2000s, CJ founded the Regional Military Museum that started out as another of his many projects before later turning into a publicly-funded veteran-run institution that has become a jewel of the tri-parish area (due to its overwhelming public support). CJ was a well-respected author and historian as a pioneer on the history of the US Gulf during WW2.

CJ enjoyed his six siblings, Ruth (deceased), Bobby (deceased), Francis, Geraldine, Julie and Jeanette (deceased). CJ is survived by his stepson Jack (wife Ida) as well as children Cheryl (husband Steve), Bobby (wife Karen) and Linda plus many grandchildren and a large Southern family spread worldwide. The family is especially grateful to the administration and staff at Terrebonne Place in Houma for their wonderful and loving support of CJ in his later years.

Memorial services will be held in Houma at The Regional Miliary Museum on May 29th at 1100 with viewing beginning at 1000 followed by a funeral in Lake Charles on May 30th at 1000 with viewing beginning at 0930. Burial will immediately follow at Consolata Cemetery in Lake Charles.

CJ passed peacefully in his sleep on May 20th with family at his side. He died on the anniversary of his mother's death whom was instrumental in his faith and family commitment.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Regional Military Museum in Houma, CJ's pride and joy.