James Frederick Christie

James Frederick Christie died during the Noon hour of Saturday, September 26, 2015, at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, Arizona following a sudden illness. He was 68 years old. James was born on March 21, 1947, in Fresno, California to his parents, the late John Pennington and Florence Louise (Mall) Christie. Dr. Christie was a Professor at Arizona State University. He received the Brian Sutton-Smith Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for the Study of Play. The award recognizes his work in early childhood education as it relates to language and literacy. His research focused on how play contributes to children's early education. He published 16 books, hundreds of articles, mentored many students and teachers and lectured internationally on the role of play in learning. Dr. Christie co-directed federal grants to improve school readiness for culturally-diverse children in Head Start and Reading First programs. He traveled to work with teachers in rural schools in Bullhead City, Mohave Valley, The Navajo Nation and Fort Mohave Indian Nation. He leaves behind his wife, Mary Christie; 2 daughters: Kimberly Hancock, Angela (Joe) Rutkowski; 4 granddaughters: Katelyn and Brianna Hancock, Emily and Abbey Rutkowski, as well as his sister, Linda Bryant and 2 nieces. A celebration of life will be held at the family home on Saturday, October 3, 2015, beginning at 5:00 P.M. Call Angela Rutkowski for directions: (602) 330-1184.