James Peter Jorgensen
CHAMPLIN, MN-With a song in his heart, James (Jim) Peter Jorgensen age 89 of Champlin passed away on November 2nd, 2025. He was surrounded by family at his home where he peacefully ascended to heaven to join his deceased wife Romana (Mary) Jorgensen.
Jim was born September 14th, 1936 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He grew up in a small house and had many friends. Growing up he enjoyed playing sports including hockey, baseball, and unorganized football. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in Marquette in 1954. Following high school, he enlisted into the Army, joining on his 18th birthday. He was stationed in Germany where he worked as a medic. Jim was a veteran at the age of 20.
He earned a degree in accounting from Northern Michigan University. Most of his professional career was as a tax accountant. He retired from the IRS in May of 1992. He married Romana (Mary) LaRue on August 6th, 1960 in Marquette Michigan. He was a father to 7 children by the time he was 34. They were raised primarily in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota but moved around a lot prior to that, mostly due to Jim’s work.
Anyone who knew Jim knew he had a love for the arts and music. He was a fabulous singer and guitar player. Jim joined the Minneapolis Commodores Barbershop Chorus in 1972 and continued far after retirement. His other hobbies included skiing, golfing, hunting, fishing, woodworking, wine making and lifting weights. After his children were grown he and Romana enjoyed many summers at their trailer home on Leech Lake. Jim was always proud of his big family, which continues to grow.
He is survived by his daughter Lori (Dan), grandchild Kira, daughter Sherry (James), son Brian (Colleen), grandchildren Amanda and Kadie, Bruce (Judy), grandchildren Brenda, Sarah, Andrew, and Laura, daughter Connie (Blair), grandchildren LiAnna, Emma, Sarina, Julia, Elijah, Koda, Ira, LiYun, daughter Diane, grandchild Romie, son Dennis, grandchildren Sam and Becca, and great-grand-children Landon, Henley, Lita, Amrielle, and Arabelle.
Jim was a loving, gentle, funny, one-of-a kind man loved by so many people. He will be greatly missed, but his song will live on.
Services are at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on Tuesday November 11th. Prayer and visitation at 9:30, Mass at 10:30, with reception to follow. He will be buried at Fort Snelling on Tuesday November 25th at 9:00AM.
Arrangements with Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel 612-781-6828