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.

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.