James "Paul" Jorgensen, age 79 of Barryton, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2007 surrounded by his adoring and loving family. Paul was born January 14, 1928 in Big Rapids to Einer and Blanche (Borst) Jorgensen. He graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1946 and then entered the United States Army Air Force, serving in Europe and Africa. Following 2 1/2 years in the service Paul attended Ferris State College. In July of 1950 he was recalled by the Air Force and sent overseas to serve during the Korean War. Returning from the service, Paul married Bonnie L. Potter on November 10, 1951 in Big Rapids and continued his education at Ferris State College, earning his Bachelors Degree in Education. Paul's first teaching assignment was at Hersey High School, he moved onto Garfield Township Schools in Engadine, and later to Morley-Stanwood High School. He furthered his education at Central Michigan University and earned his Masters of Arts Degree in School Administration. In 1961 Paul moved his family to Barryton to take the position of the school Principal. By 1967 Paul had the foresight to realize a consolidated school district was the only way to ensure a quality education for the area's children. He worked tirelessly in the Barryton, Remus, Mecosta and Weidman communities until the Chippewa Hills School District was formed. Paul was made Superintendent and began the job of acquiring the property and planning the construction of the current Chippewa Hills High School and Sports Complex. In 1973 Paul began his career at the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District as their Superintendent. He transitioned that administrative office in downtown Big Rapids to the current MOISD campus that now consists of the Career Center, the Education Center, the Resource Center and the Administration Building. Paul retired in 1986 and remained active in the area. He served as a Mecosta County Commissioner, on the Chippewa Hills Board of Education; he was involved in the Barryton Area Development Association, the Barryton Fair Board, and was a member of the Barryton American Legion. Even with such an active career and civic life, Paul always found time to enjoy his family, friends and the outdoors. He operated a hobby farm at his home; he loved to hunt and fish, and always made time to attend his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. Paul's life had a positive and permanent effect on many communities and their members, his friends and his loving family who's members include; His wife of 55 years, Bonnie of Barryton Children: Lori (Steve) Helmer of Barryton Kim (Dennis) Hall of Fort Meyers, FL Jim (Annette) Jorgensen of Barryton 5 Grandchildren: Kyle and Alicia Butts of Barryton Ryan Hall of Fort Meyers, FL Amanda and Paul Jorgensen of Barryton 2 Great-grandchildren; Christopher and Mariah Beemer, three step-grandchildren; Kurt Helmer of Lake Isabella, Sam (Gretchen) Helmer of Edmore and Sarah Helmer of Barryton A brother: Lyle Jorgensen of Big Rapids A sister; Esther (Richard) Amon of Rockford, 1 niece, 1 nephew And a special friend and caregiver; Donna McCoy of Barryton. Besides his parents, Paul was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law; Glenn and Bessie Potter. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 6th at the Barryton Church of Christ with Lew Smith officiating. The family will greet friends on Sunday, August 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton. Memorial contributions in Paul's name may be made to the Renal Dialysis Center in Big Rapids.