James L. Jensen 1928–2004

On December 16, 1928, James L. Jensen was born to Viggo and Roena Jensen. His parents were both teachers in Detroit, Michigan where he lived as a young child. He died July 25, 2004, in Hinsdale, Illinois, of complications from diabetes.

When he was three years old the family moved to the Roseland neighborhood in Chicago where his father took a job with the Jewel Food Company. The family then moved again to the South Shore where he became acquainted with his future wife Caroline in grammar school and church activities. After graduating from South Shore High School, Jensen earned a bachelors degree from Northwestern University in 1951. He began his higher education with the intention of becoming a high school zoology teacher. Soon he learned there were no high school zoology teachers and fortunately his background suited him for dental school. 1951 was a real turning point for his life as he entered dental school. Dr. Jensen graduated as the valedictorian of Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1955.

Jim Jensen and Caroline Schillinger were married in June 1954 and she was the perfect support for the rest of his life. After serving his country for two years in the United States Army in El Paso, Texas he returned to Chicago to earn a masters degree from the orthodontic program at Northwestern University in 1959. Dr. Jensen entered private orthodontic practice in Flossmoor, Illinois, where the family lived for over 30 years. During this time he taught orthodontic residents at Northwestern University on Wednesdays satisfying his passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge and talents. He retired in 2000, sold the practice, and moved with Caroline to Hinsdale.

Dr. Jensen taught orthodontics for more than 40 years at Northwestern University and during that time served for three years as professor and chair of the Orthodontic Department at Loyola University School of Dentistry. After the Northwestern Dental School closed in 2001, he taught at the University of Illinois as a clinical professor. He was president of the American Board of Orthodontics in 1983, the Illinois Society of Orthodontists 1976–77 and the South Suburban Dental Society. He was a senior retired member of The Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists and served a very active role in the society, culminating as president of the Midwest Component in 1991.

Dr. Jensen, a retired member of the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists, received the 2000 Earl E. Shepard Distinguished Service Award. This highest award the constituent society bestows recognizes the recipient for exemplary contributions to the art and science of orthodontics. He wrote many orthodontic articles and gave numerous presentations to dental and orthodontic societies. He taught orthodontic courses around the world, receiving much acclaim for his advanced knowledge.

A smart, affable and humble man, Dr. Jensen never spoke of his accomplishments. He was a teacher, mentor, and role model for all orthodontists. He touched the lives of many patients, residents, fellow teachers and orthodontists and their spouses over his 45-year career in orthodontics.

On a personal note, after finishing my training at Northwestern I was privileged for 18 years to work one day a week in Dr. Jensen's office. When we attended meetings together he would always review notes during the evening with me about the papers given that day. If he went to a meeting by himself he always went over the notes with me during lunch the next time I was in his office. He was my primary sponsor in the Angle Society and gave me encouragement to become a Board Diplomate. He was constantly trying to teach me to be a better orthodontist. He loved music and had his own band in high school. He played the trombone with the Homewood-Flossmoor Community summer band and the Governors State University concert band. He was a deacon in the Flossmoor Community Church, a scout leader and a member of Rotary International.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Caroline; his son, James Jr; his daughter Judith; 2 sisters, Lois Davidson and Linda Hoveke; and a grandson, Wesley James Jensen.

All of us will mourn his loss, personally and professionally. He was a gentle, kind, thoughtful and well-spoken giant of a man. In his own quiet way, he has left an imprint in the history of our specialty and his passing leaves a void in our lives. Dr. Jensen knew and lived that what is really worth doing is what we do for others.