Obituary of Christopher Carl Jensen, 50

By Kristin Bornstein
Christopher Carl Jensen, a Salem State University visiting
professor and local business owner, died unexpectedly on
September 30. He was 50.
According to police, Jensen was parasailing along the coast in
Miami Beach, Florida, when the sail carrying him malfunctioned.
Over the past 25 years, Jensen worked as the sole owner of Sports Therapy and
Rehabilitation Inc., a physical therapy facility with offices in Salem and Beverly,
Mass. A licensed Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer and a certified Strength and
Conditioning specialist, Jensen took pride in his role as a well-established business
owner.
Jensen, nicknamed CJ by friends and family, was born in Pasadena, California, on
November 18, 1962 to parents Paul Jensen and Polly Dulin. Jensen was outgoing
and athletic, excelling in football, track, and tennis. After graduating from Rolling
Hills High School in 1980, Jensen moved to Santa Rosa, where he enrolled in Santa
Rosa Junior College. At the time, Jensen admitted to being more interested in
playing football than planning for his future.
During the summer of 1982, Jensens close friend Peter sustained a serious neck
injury that left him paralyzed. Peters recovery process motivated Jensen to pursue
a career in physical therapy. With a renewed drive for success, Jensen received
both a bachelors degree of science in Physical Therapy from Long State Beach
University and a masters degree in Exercise Science in 1986.
In 1991, Jensen took a risk and moved cross country to Salem, Massachusetts.
There he established his outpatient medical facility on Highland Avenue which
opened 1993. When business prospered, Jensen took advantage of that opportunity
and opened a second location in Peabody, later relocating to the Cummings Center
property in Beverly, Mass.
After establishing himself in the Salem area, Jensen moved to Burlington, Mass.,
where he resided until his death. Jensen is survived by his son, Bradley and
daughter, Jaclyn. He is also survived by a brother, Brent Jensen, a sister, Jennifer
Aver, and his longtime girlfriend, Karen Meyer.
Jensen had a well thought out retirement plan that included moving to Playa Del
Carmen, Mexico, where he intended to continue his lifes work of physical therapy
through aiding underprivileged members of the community during the day and
serving tequila at a beach side bar at night.

Jensen took pride in mentoring and guiding his staff, especially young employees
who looked to him for advice and inspiration in their own careers.
A current employee at Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation spoke about his former
boss.
CJ was a great guy. He was always trying to keep the energy up, and reminded us
that connecting with patients really makes the difference in their rehab, said Tyler
Flowers, who worked for Jensen as a physical therapy assistant.
He would always give us a little pep talk or bring coffee to keep the vibe positive.
Flowers said.
Former employee Tracey Cobb agreed.
He really liked to work with the challenging clients or the kids with sports injuries.
Cobb said.
Jensen will be remembered by his employees as an avid Lakers fan who often
decorated his offices with autographed collectibles and other sports paraphernalia
to excite clients and staff.

Kristin Bornstein
COM 370
Obituary Article
September 30, 2013