Leon Paul Jorgensen Obituary

Leon Paul Jorgensen

Mt. Pleasant - Leon Paul Jorgensen passed away unexpectedly, Thursday January 8, 2026 in his home at Franke at Seaside, in Mt Pleasant, SC at the age of 85 years old.

Leon was born in San Francisco, CA on May 31, 1940. He was the son of the late Dr. Paul Simon Jorgensen and Marjorie Helen Ajax Jorgensen. Leon graduated from Capuchino High School in San Bruno, CA. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with honors from the University of Georgia, a Master of Arts Degree in Economics from The University of Washington, and a Ph. D in Economics from Florida State University. He was a member of several academic honors societies, including Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma. He was also a member of Kappa Sigma social fraternity, serving as Vice President of the chapter at UGA.

While at the University of Georgia, Leon met his future wife, Claire Flanders from Swainsboro, GA, on a blind date. They were happily married for 59 years.

After working for the Trust Company of Georgia in Atlanta for 2 years, he and his bride moved to Tallahassee, FL for a 3-year pursuit of his Doctorate in Economics.

After completing his Ph. D degree, Leon spent 12 years on the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as a tenured professor. He then launched a career as an entrepreneur as President of Brok Manufacturing Corp., a manufacturer and distributor of specialty plumbing supplies. He also helped launch Vnet, which was an internet access and data communications firm in the early days of the internet that was ultimately acquired by Concord Telephone Company.

Leon spent thirty years in Charlotte, NC with his beloved wife Claire, and rearing his two children, Paul and Smith. He also enjoyed spending time creating lifelong memories at their cherished vacation home on Kiawah Island, SC with friends and family.

Leon never lost his love of learning. He had been a professional musician as a young man, became an instrument rated pilot, an expert sailor, and earned his Coast Guard Captain's License. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his days as a founding member of The Stono River Fishing Club in Charleston, SC. His "fishing conquests", clearly often exaggerated, served as dinnertime humor for many years. After retiring to St. Simons Island in 2001 he created many fond memories working on and spending time on the water. He was also an accomplished builder of custom fishing rods, a hobby he loved for many years later in his life.

He served on the Board of Directors of the St. Simons Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as President of the Island Club Property Owners' Association. He was an Elder at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, serving as Clerk of Session, and an active volunteer with CASA (court-appointed special advocate for abused or neglected children).

In 2022, after 20 years on Saint Simons Island, GA, Leon & Claire moved to Franke at Seaside, a retirement community in Mount Pleasant, SC. Leon enjoyed the many activities offered at Franke and made many new wonderful friends.

Leon is survived by his wife, Claire; his daughter, Lillian Smith Kennedy of Wadmalaw Island, SC, his son in law Josh Kennedy; his son Paul Weldon Jorgensen of Charlotte, NC, his daughter in law, Meredith Jorgensen; and his two granddaughters, Blake and Ryan Jorgensen of Charlotte, NC.

He was an Army Veteran, a wonderful son, brother, husband, grandfather, and father and will be missed by his loved ones and friends. He will also be missed by his devoted King Charles Spaniel, Ashley. He was a kind, patient, loving man, and always lit up a room with his smile. There is no doubt his final statement would have been "Go Dawgs!!"

His funeral services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

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