James F Jorgensen

Jim was born in Batesville, Indiana, on April 18, 1943, the only child of Frank A. Jorgensen and Helen L. Jorgensen. He spent most of his early and teenage years in Louisville. Jim went to Waggener High School but graduated from Greenwich High School in Connecticut. A Kentucky boy at heart, Jim, headed to Centre College in Danville but later transferred to the University of Kentucky. While there, he worked as a houseboy at Kay’s sorority house and has waited on her ever since.

After graduating from UK, he worked for Shell Oil Co. Jim joined the KY National Guard, wanting to attend summer camps, but not knowing that his unit would be called for Vietnam duty. He spent the summer of 1968 training as a medic at Fort Hood, Texas. After a year in Vietnam, Jim was awarded the Bronze Star with V device (for valor) for his bravery in combat.

Entering back in “the real world”, as he called it, he began a new job as District Manager for Black & Decker in Kansas City, MO. After several years on the prairie, missing home and tired of corporate life, Jim returned to Kentucky in 1984 to begin an independent sales agency, Jorgensen Sales Company. His sons, Jim Jr and Matt, are now the company’s officers.

Jim & Kay attended many UK football & basketball games. Their goal was to hike as many US national parks as possible and travel to 6 continents…just not Antarctica. On their trip to Scandinavia in 2025, Jim explored his Danish heritage but was pickpocketed on arrival. After retirement in 2012, Jim & Kay were “snowbirds,” enjoying winter months in Florida.

Jim was a talented do-it-yourself kind of guy; he loved any and all projects. As a member of Hunting Creek Country Club for over 40 years, he enjoyed golfing with his buddies and was the golf “Commissioner of the Dirty Dozen” for many years. He drove the “Prospect Retirement Bus” to pick up friends for UK luncheons & the Quarterback Club. He enjoyed entertaining good friends on evening Ohio River cruises. Jim was so proud of his family, loved his friends, loved having a good time, and never had a bad day.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kay Leonard Jorgensen; his son, James Franklin II (Jim), (Christine) and their children, Brooke, James Franklin III (Trey), and Josh Jorgensen; his son, Matthew Kent(Matt), (Jennifer) and their children, Chase and Charlotte Jorgensen, and his beloved dog, Bogey…just like his golf game.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 23, from 10:00 AM to noon, with the Funeral Service and Military Honors following at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Road, St. Matthews, KY 40207. Arch L. Heady at Resthaven is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Christ Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or a charity of your choice