Thomas Jorgensen

Thomas Alan Jorgensen Tom 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, coach and friend suffered a stroke and passed away on November 29, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; sons: Tom Terri and Paul Kristy and daughter, Jill Allen; step sons: Curt Christy and Anthony Bougie; four grandchildren: Sarah Andrew, Lauren, Tyler, Corey, one great granddaughter, Harper, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Arthur and John.

Tom was born in Chicago on January 2, 1935. Early on, even as a four-year old it was evident that Tommy Jorgensen was an athletic prodigy. He played baseball and tennis, but basketball would be his legacy.

He attended Parker High School in Chicago and won All-City and All-State honors. As a senior, he led the Chicago Public League in scoring 30 points a game.

Tom was awarded a scholarship to the University of Michigan and as team captain, started 66 consecutive games for the Maize and Blue averaging 14 points a game as a senior.

For six seasons, he served as an assistant to Dave Strack at Michigan – including the Cazzie Russell era when the Wolverines captured three consecutive Big Ten championships 1963-65 and appeared in back-to-back NCAA Final Fours 1964-65.

From 1966 -1973, Coach "Jorgy" as he was known to his players, NIU fans and DeKalb townies posted a 96-71 win-loss record. He put the Huskies on the national map, into the Top 20, and into such historic college meccas as the Chicago Stadium, Madison Square Garden and The Palestra.

A former full-time scout with the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic and a part-time scout for the Denver Nuggets, he also served as the color analyst for the ABA Denver Nuggets for KWGN-TV.

With charisma that impacted all who met him, Tom loved fun and loved having people join him in the fun. He always saw the good in people and his gentle, loving spirit leaves a footprint on our hearts. He will never be forgotten.

In Tom's memory, donations may be made to The Denver Hospice, 501 South Cherry Street, #700, Denver, CO 80246-1328.