Jim Ronald Jorgensen

In Loving Memory of

Jim Ronald Jorgensen

August 13, 1950 – March 28, 2022

Jim Jorgensen, 71, our beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectantly after battling complications from heart and kidney failure. He was a long-time employee of the King County Sheriff’s Office where he worked in the Records Unit, AFIS Latent Print Unit, and AFIS Administration for the last 38 years.

Jim was born as James Ronald Mitchell to Raymond James Mitchell and Peggy Misao Mitchell on August 13, 1950 in Seattle, Washington. Due to the financial hardships at the time, he was placed in the care of his paternal grandparents, James Ferguson Mitchell and Lulu Mitchell, and his aunt, Amy E. Jorgensen. He was legally adopted by his aunt Amy and her husband, Hans Jorgensen. He grew up in Ballard in a loving home surrounded by his relatives. Jim graduated from Ballard High School. He was married at the age of 19 to his first wife, Carrol Mendoza, and they had two children, Lynnette (born 1970) and Patricia (born 1974). Jim always had a knack for collecting and rebuilding classic and special edition cars. He was employed as an auto mechanic and was trained as a diesel mechanic.

In 1981, Jim’s family life went through a change ending in a divorce. He subsequently moved in with his biological family and was able to develop closer ties with his mother and four sisters. At this time, he decided to change careers and began by doing volunteer work at a nonprofit employment agency where he picked up new job skills. He was very well liked by the staff there. He eventually got hired by the King County Sheriff’s Office to work in the Records Unit in 1984. His mother, Peggy Mitchell, was a supervisor in Payroll where she introduced him to his future wife and love of his life, Shirley Yamada. They were married on August 30,1986 and have happily spent the last 36 years of their lives together in the Seattle and Renton areas.

He was a valued employee throughout his long career at the King County Sheriff’s Office, as many will attest to. He was known for his kind nature, great technical skills, and willingness to help others.

Throughout the years Jim remained close to his entire family. He was able to participate in both of his daughters’ weddings and be a part of the lives of his five grandchildren. All of the families came full circle in love and affection. We were blessed to have him in our lives. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; daughters Lynnette (Erick Smith) Auburn, WA, and Patricia J. (Carlos Huizar), Minnesota; sisters Arlene (Ed Hee) of Tracy, CA, Patty (Oliver Pickford), Carole (Scott Schroeder) Kent, WA, Connie (Larry Toda), Seattle, WA and Grace Mitchell, Renton, WA, grandchildren: Cheyenne & Ciara Smith, Alex Shur (wife Eliz), Lyda & Ethan Shur, and many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Private family Celebration of life to be held.

Please share memories, photos & condolences on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home - Lake View ~ Seattle, Washington

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me

In every tomorrow.

Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles.

I’ve only gone to rest for awhile.

Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my

hurt and given me relief.

So, dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am but as I used to be.

Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile.

Understand in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest awhile.

As long as I have the love of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.