James Hilmer Nielsen Jorgensen

James Hilmer Nielsen Jorgensen the son of Hans H. and Gertrude M. (Barentson) Jorgensen was born December 16, 1924, in Audubon, Iowa and died June 25, 2016 at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 91 years, 6 Months, and 9 days.
Jim was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. He attended rural Audubon County schools and graduated with the Audubon High School Class of 1942. He then helped operate the family farm. On February 28, 1944, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty he was stationed in the European Theatre with the 7th Armored Division and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge from which he received a Bronze Star Medal for bravery. Jim was honorably discharged on January 8, 1946, and returned to the family farm.
On May 20, 1949, he was united in marriage to Gladys Petersen at the Exira Lutheran Church. They were blessed with four children Faye, Diane, Mark and Linda. They operated a farm west of Hamlin, Iowa where they grew row crops and raised livestock. In the early 1960’s, he was also employed by the U.S. Postal Service and delivered packages for several years. Gladys died November 1, 1977 from injuries received in an auto accident.
On September 15, 1978, he married Irene Mathisen Hansen at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, Iowa. Jim retied from farming then started J & J Hardwoods in Hamlin, Iowa. They sold select hardwoods and specialty tools. He operated the business for several years then sold the business and retired in 1989 when they moved into Audubon, Iowa. Jim continued his love of woodworking and was a founding member of the Audubon Woodcarvers Club. Irene died August 12, 2012. Jim lived at home later moving to The Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa in April of 2016.
Jim was an active member of the Hamlin Lutheran Church in Hamlin, Iowa, served on many committees over the years and was a member of the Dart Ball team. He remained a member until the church closed then transferred his membership to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Jim was a founding member of the Audubon County Pork Producers and a founding member of the Audubon Co-op. Jim was a member of Dale Christensen Post No. 4119, V.F.W. for 63 years. Jim enjoyed reading and playing cards. He belonged to several card clubs and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan.
Preceding him in death were his wives Gladys Jorgensen and Irene Jorgensen; his step daughter-in-law Carol Hansen; his parents; his brother William Jorgensen; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Kathryn and husband Basil Martin, William and wife Maxine Pedersen, Esther and husband Audrin Foresman, LeRoy and wife Mary Ann Petersen, Helga and husband Richard Josephsen, Bob and wife Virginia Mathisen, Dale Mathisen, and Marvin and wife Joyce Hansen.
Survivors include his children Faye and husband Dean Christensen of Omaha, Nebraska, Diane and husband Jerry Hiatt of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mark and wife Pat Jorgensen of Denison, Iowa and Linda and husband Mike Wede of Gray, Iowa; his step sons Roger and wife Rose Hansen of Carson, Iowa and Richard and wife Lyn Hansen of Audubon, Iowa; his grandchildren Jesse and wife Kelly Christensen of Rochester, Minnesota, Lucas Christensen of Omaha, Nebraska, Ashley and husband Dan Dye of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Rachael and husband Tyler Peters of Omaha, Nebraska, Jordon and wife Ann Green of Dallas, Texas, Mitch Jorgensen, Amy Miller, and Cara Jorgensen all of Schleswig, Iowa, Tyler Wede of Audubon, Iowa, Angie and husband Steve Agnew and Katelyn Wede all of Carroll, Iowa, his step grandchildren Dan and wife Jenny Hansen of Shenandoah, Iowa, Michelle and husband Andy August of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mike and wife Athena Hansen of Olathe, Kansas, and Scot and wife Jen Hansen of Urbandale, Iowa; 16 great grandchildren; 6 step great grandchildren; his brothers Philip and wife Donna Jorgensen of Longwood, Florida and Frank and wife Doris Jorgensen of Debary, Florida; his sister-in-law Joanne Mathisen of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his special nieces Charlene, Edith and Penny; nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Doug Opp on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at 10:30 A.M. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa. The honorary casket bearers will be Mitch Jorgensen, Tyler Peters, Dan Dye, and Andy August. The casket bearers will be Jesse Christensen, Lucas Christensen, Tyler Wede, Jordon Green, Steve Agnew, Mike Hansen, Scot Hansen and Dan Hansen. The family will meet with friends on Tuesday evening June 28, 2016, at 5:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.