Service Details
Per Ray’s wishes, his immediate family will hold a private ceremony to celebrate his life.
Memorial Suggestions
If you’d like to memorialize Ray, please donate to the Wisconsin Humane Society.
Raymond “Jimmy” James Jorgensen, Jr., passed away at age 67 in the early morning hours of January 21, 2023, surrounded by his close family after a 3 ½ year battle with prostate cancer.
Born May 10, 1955, to Evelyn and Raymond Jorgensen, Ray attended Horlick High School and Gateway Technical College. He lived his whole life in Racine.
He is survived by the love of his life, Vicki; they met in 1976 and married on March 18, 1978. He is also survived by five children: Mark Jorgensen, Mary (Greg) Doddridge, Sarah (Tylor) Strike, Nancy (Chris) Burdick, and Aaron Jorgensen. When he departed, he left behind seven grandchildren: Malaki, George, Millie, Jayne, Adalyn, Rosie, and Cara. Ray always had M&M’s ready for them. He also leaves behind many other relatives too numerous to name.
Ray worked as a machinist since 1972, his last 31 years at R&B Grinding, retiring in March of 2020. But his true passions were outside of work.
While a man of few words, he was a master craftsman with a big heart and love of travel. He loved restoring his 1893 Queen Anne in the Southside Historic District while also having plenty of time to dote on his grandkids. And from drinking a Bloody Mary and smoking a cigar in the Northwoods to taking in the views of the Smokies in Tennessee to sipping on a piña colada in Mexico, you could always find him relaxing on vacation. Ray still spoke fondly of 2019’s Great Western Road Trip with stops at the Badlands, Black Hills, Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Jackson Hole along with Wall Drug and the Spam Museum.
The family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ruggeri, Dr. Zhang, Dr. Lawal, Dr. Webber, Aurora Hospice, and all the other doctors and nurses for their care.
Lisa Johnson says
I am so sorry Vicky my thoughts and prayers go out to you and in your beautiful family may your husband rest in peace
Clarence Fredrick ( Diane Jorgensen) says
Wishing you and your family strength and peace
Anonymous says
Vicki, you know you and Ray are the best neighbors I’ve ever had.
Many a morning Ray would be working in the garden while you and I talked over the fence, and before I knew it, the grass was cut, weeds pulled and the garden was a blue ribbon winner- and he made it all look so easy! Always positive and a craftsman with an eye for perfection, Ray made your home a restored gem that reflected who Ray was; a gem. A wonderful man who was kind, generous and loved his family, I’m going to miss Ray.
Charles T. Klimek says
I went to junior high, & high school with Ray. He was a kind, even tempered guy. He always stayed positive. I have not seen him since school, but occasionally reflected back to those pleasant days we shared.
Vicki Klus says
I worked with Ray for many years at R&B Grinding. He was a man of few words, but always pleasant and kind.
I’m very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May he rest in peace.
Eleanore Jones says
Vicky, so sorry for your loss. Even though it has been many years since I’ve seen you and Jimmy, I do remember always having a good time with you and the family. You and yours are in my prayers.
Molly C says
So sorry for your loss Vicki and entire Jorgensen Family. My heart is saddened to lose another cousin
Doris Nelson says
God Bless you all, God wanted another angel! Giant Hugs sent to all! I love you all
Dorothy says
May your precious memories help you all through this sadness.
Sending lots of love and hugs.
William Jorgensen says
Sorry for your loss Vicky this is Bill Jorgensen, Jim was my favorite cousin ever. We grew up together, his dad was my father Dick Jorgensens twin brother. We spent a lot of summer’s together at his house by St rita s church. We lost touch after high school, but we did see each other at funerals and weddings. We did have a family reunion many years ago at Sanders park.
Linda Kupper says
Vicki, I am so sad to hear of Jimmy’s passing. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Gary and I so enjoyed the time our families spent at Pickerel Lake. I always enjoyed talking to Jimmy when he called you at work. He sure had some funny stories to share how the day was going and what the kids were up too. May all the memories Jimmy left behind help comfort you and your family in the days ahead. I am so very sorry for your loss.