Carl Leo "CJ" Jensen

Carl "CJ" Leo Jensen, lovingly known by many as Carter, left this world far too soon on November 19, 2025. His passing was unexpected, leaving behind a space that can only be filled by the memories of his kindness, his curiosity, and the unique way he loved both people and the places that shaped him-especially Oakland, which held his heart like no other.

Born on December 18, 1990, in Fairfield, California, CJ grew into the kind of person people gravitated toward. He had a warmth that made strangers feel like friends, and a sense of humor that could lift even the heaviest of days. His stories-sometimes fully true, sometimes lovingly embellished-were the kind you remembered long after he finished telling them.

CJ earned his Respiratory Therapy degree from Concorde Career College in 2016, a path that became not just a career, but a calling. His work took him from Portland to the Bay Area and across the country-to New York, Texas, Idaho, Massachusetts and Chicago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was full of fear and uncertainty, CJ showed up with steady hands and a compassionate heart. He brought comfort to patients and families who desperately needed it. Those who worked with him knew him as dedicated, skilled, and full of genuine empathy. He was, in every sense of the phrase, a healthcare hero.

CJ's free spirit took him many places-Vacaville, Benicia, Portland, Oakland-and wherever he lived, he made connections that lasted. He was the kind of friend who listened deeply, and the kind of neighbor who showed up when needed the most. He loved the 49ers and the Golden State Warriors with unwavering loyalty. He collected rocks and coins on his travels like tiny pieces of memory. He taught himself how to fix almost anything. And in quiet moments, he found peace with his hands in the dirt, tending to his garden or sitting with the earth he felt so connected to.

Music was another place he found himself. From Pink Floyd to The Killers to The Lumineers-his playlists carried pieces of his soul. He loved vinyl, both new and old, and could often be found listening to records that filled his spaces with nostalgia and joy.

Above all else, CJ believed deeply in kindness. He had a soft spot for people experiencing homelessness and made a habit of offering dignity in small, meaningful ways. During the holidays, he handed out fast-food gift cards to people who needed a little light. These were quiet acts, never performed for recognition-just his way of giving love where he felt it was needed most. He also forgave easily and welcomed people back into his life with an open heart.

But the center of CJ's world was his family. He was the most loyal son, the most loving brother, and the uncle who could make any child feel safe, seen, and adored. In times of family crisis, CJ was the one who showed up-steady, willing, dependable. His love extended to his entire family: parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, and the wide circle of bonus brothers and sisters who cherished him.

CJ is survived by his mother, Barbara Bean-Runyon, and her husband, James S. Runyon; his father, Andrew W. Jensen, and his wife, Tracy Jensen; his sister, Janae Yvonne Davis, and her husband, Tyler Lee Davis; his grandparents, Judy and Jim Jensen; his beloved nephew, Walker Lee Davis, and precious niece, Cooper James Davis; his bonus siblings Ashtyn, Ben, Tyler, Sarah, Kent, and Adam; and his loyal dog, Chewy, who was his favorite adventure buddy.

To honor CJ's life, his family invites others to learn more about Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and Substance Use Disorder-struggles he carried with courage, and topics he wished were met with more compassion and understanding.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 120 E J Street, Benicia, CA 94510, on December 18, 2025, at 1:30pm.

Attire: The family will be wearing causal 49er, Warriors or rock band t-shirts. Please feel free to join us.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give a food gift card to someone in need, or donate to St Paul's community dinners, in the spirit of CJ's everyday generosity. You can donate to the community meal program by going to stpaulsbenicia.org, under the three lines click Get Involved, then Community Meal and push the green button Give. Under memo you can write in CJ's Spirit.