January 27th, 1957 – December 5th, 2024
James Michael (Mike) Jorgensen went to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 5th, 2024, where he was greeted with open arms by his parents, Wannette and Terry, and his sweet grandson, Dominic. Mike was the loving husband to Cindy; brother to Terranette and Patrick; father to Shannon, Nathaniel and Kathryn (Katy); uncle to Samantha and Lisa; great-uncle to Ryan; PawPaw to Dominic, Shyler, Charlotte, and Wyatt; and dear friend to many.
Mike was born on January 27th, 1957, in Austin, Texas and was an avid Texas Longhorns fan. After graduating from Lanier High School in 1975, he joined the Air Force and studied Weapon Control Systems. He completed his studies and service in 1983 and became a Computer Systems Network Engineer, working for Texas Instruments, Texas Hospital Association, Home Inc., and the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. Mike and Cindy married in 1989 and shared a warm home together in Round Rock for over three decades, full of love, laughter, and memories.
Mike’s path grew more challenging when he was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in 2001. He endured many long surgeries and managed his day-to-day pain with doctor visits, walking, fishing, and biking. Retiring allowed Mike to better manage his symptoms, but nothing ever slowed him down for long.
Anyone who knew Mike could tell you about the passion and vigor with which he lived. He put his all into his work, his family, and his health. He was there, no questions asked, if you needed his help. He would ease the burdens of your mind with patience, humor, and heart. He loved spending time with his people and showing his affection through love letters to Cindy, school drop offs, pickups, and activities for Katy, Shyler, and Wyatt, visiting with neighbors, and working around the home. Mike had an adventurous, daredevil spirit; he was all about having a good time and always supported others doing the same — safely, of course. He was described as a bull-in-a-china shop, always ready for a harmless thrill.
Cindy and Mike traveled as often as they could, visiting beaches and family along the East coast, venturing to Wisconsin and Colorado, and around the great State of Texas. Given the unpredictability of his condition, he and his family learned to go with the flow and take things day by day. Cindy retired in 2016 and treasured every day they spent together during this time.
Mike made the most of each day and moved through life with a brave, peaceful, grateful heart that always brought comfort to those around him. He would do anything for the ones he loved and he loved his people with everything he had. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends who loved him deeply. Although his disability shortened his time here on Earth, his impact will be everlasting.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church (1004 N. Mays Street) in Round Rock, Texas at 11:00 AM. A gathering will take place after the service (location to be determined).
The family wishes to thank every staff person at Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital for the care, love, and respect that they showed to Mike and his family and friends during this difficult time. The family also appreciates the care and support provided by Green Cremation Texas. Memorial contributions can be made to The National Pancreas Foundation to fund research for the care and remedy of pancreatitis.