Jay Lewis Jorgensen

Jay Lewis Jorgensen (83) of Washington, Utah passed away peacefully on July 29th, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jay was born in Logan, Utah, on February 27th, 1942, the 3 rd child of Leland and Relda Fuhriman Jorgensen. He had a wonderful childhood growing up in Cache Valley, hunting, fishing and camping with his family. Jay graduated from Logan High in 1960, and in 1961 he left Logan to serve a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission. This is where Jay gained his love for the eastern part of the country. His mission covered northern New York which gave him the privilege of participating in the Palmyra Pageant both years of his mission. Upon his return, Jay began attending Utah State University where he eventually met his wife of 60 years, Ida Ruth Chase Jorgensen. During the summers, Jay worked for the Forest Service in Vernal, Utah, fighting fires. In 1967, he graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture and Environment Planning. From there, he and Ida moved to Wisconsin to continue his education at University of Wisconsin in Madison. At UW Jay earned his Masters of Environmental Planning in 1968. He completed a thesis, “Techniques and Methods of Landscape Design for the Permanently Physically Handicapped.” He later went on to write the book “Landscape Design for the Disabled” in 1975 which helped to create spaces for disabled individuals to more fully enjoy the outdoors. Jay’s thesis which focused on barrier-free design principles, such as accessible paths, ramps, seating area, and garden layouts tailored for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments helped lay the foundation for later policies enacted by the ADA. Following their time in Wisconsin, Jay and Ida decided that instead of returning home to Utah, they would have an adventure and work on the East Coast for a few years. Those few years turned into nearly forty years of living in the Washington DC area where Jay and Ida raised their 6 children. Jay worked most of his life, 32 years, at the Fairfax County Park Authority. He started his career as a Junior Landscape Architect, and when he retired in 2000, he was the head of the department. A major focus of his career was making parks and other Fairfax County facilities handicap accessible. He designed numerous parks that are loved and utilized by the Fairfax County citizens today. In memory of Jay’s service at the Park Authority, there is a tree planted in his name by the Fairfax County Library. For several years, Jay also taught Landscape Design at George Washington University. Shortly after retirement, Jay and Ida moved to Buena Vista in Southern Virginia to offer their talents to the newly established Southern Virginia University. They lived, worked, and served there for almost 10 years. Jay was Director of Facilities, deeply involved in the renovation of the new campus. He served as a student ward bishop for 3 of those years. Looking back, Jay said this was his favorite calling. Following their time at SVU, Jay and Ida decided to settle closer to grandchildren, so they returned to their Utah roots, just a little further south in St. George. A few years after getting settled in Southern Utah, Jay and Ida were called to return to the east coast and serve a mission in the New York, New York South Mission where they served the members on Long Island for 18 months and enjoyed their monthly journey to the New York City Temple. A highlight of their time in the mission was a surprise visit from all 6 children for Jay and Ida’s 50th wedding anniversary. Jay was known for his artistic abilities which were exhibited in his paintings and drawings. Especially remembered was his tradition of decorating over 200 gingerbread houses every December for family, friends, and business associates. Ida would do the baking, and Jay would do the decorating. His talent was obvious in all the details. Jay was also known for his kindness and generosity. He helped more than one child move across the country, paint their house, and fix their car. He was always generous with his time in helping others. Jay was a loving father and husband who loved God and served and lifted those around him. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ida Ruth Chase Jorgensen, sons, Chris (Sheli), Bruce (Tana), Scott (Amy), Greg (Kristen), Burke (Anna Mae) and daughter, Candace Jorgensen, along with 21 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, and his sister Mary Stevenson (Gordon) of Salmon, Idaho. He joins his parents, his brother Doug Jorgensen (MaeRene), and sister and brother-in-law JoAnn and DeVerle Hoth, and many other extended family members and friends who moved on before him. Those of us who knew him well consider it a privilege to have been touched by his life. His love and spirit will linger long in our hearts. We look forward to the time when we will meet again! St. George area viewing to be held August 3, 2025 from 5pm-6:30pm at the Washington Fields Church House (1867 S Washington Fields Rd. Washington, UT 84780). Funeral services to be held August 9, 2025 at the Millville Church House in Cache Valley (110 S Main St. Millville, UT 84326) with a 9:30am viewing prior to the 11am services. Interment to follow at the Millville Cemetery. Services will be available live streaming via You Tube at https://www.youtube.com/@millville3rdward355/streams Please deliver any flowers directly to the Millville LDS Chapel the morning of the service, 110 South Main Street, Millville, UT 84326.

Jay Lewis Jorgensen

February 27, 1942 - July 29, 2025