James "Jim" Douglas Mortenson
May 4, 1955 - Jun 29th, 2022- Birth Date: May 4, 1955
- Death Date: Jun 29, 2022
- Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography:
James Douglas Mortenson (Jim) was born on May 4, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois to Ann and Thure Mortenson. Jim was a talented musician. He especially enjoyed playing guitar with the gospel choir at St. Mark Baptist Church. He was saddened when nerve damage to his fingers as a result of his diabetes made it difficult for him to play the guitar.
He is survived by his children Eric Mortenson and Rosie Hames; grandchildren Leon Mortenson and William, Henry and Brynlee Hames; siblings Michael, Robert, and Patricia Mortenson; and close family friend Steven Young, Jr..
In 1969 Jim moved with his parents to Roland, Arkansas and attended Joe T. Robinson School. He graduated from Central High School in Little Rock in 1973. After graduation Jim attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and earned a degree in nursing. He worked as an RN at the Arkansas Children's Hospital and the University of Arkansas Hospital in Little Rock, where he worked in the cardiac intensive care unit. He was the on-call medical expert for his aging parents and helped them with their medical crises until their deaths.
Jim had a passion for pets in need and rescued a host of homeless dogs and cats throughout his life. He left 3 cats in need of new homes.
Jim was a regular on the golf courses around Little Rock even after breaking his hip and having toes amputated. He once hit a hole-in-one at Hindman golf course.
He had type 1 diabetes which affected him most of his life. He died at the age of 67 validating his claim that he had outlived his life expectancy. (The life expectancy for men with type 1 diabetes is 66 years.) The pandemic years found Jim battling the effects of type 1 diabetes and isolation. He died at home on June 29, 2022.
Condolences(02)
Ann and Josie
#1
Jul 16th, 2022 3:55 pm
Jim and I were happily married for many wonderful years, we met at UAMS in CVICU in 1996. Josie and I have many happy memories of Jim, he was always very loving and supportive to myself and his stepdaughter Josie during some very difficult times. I know Jim is rejoicing with tears of joy, God Bless him and his entire family.
I worked with Jim for 17 yrs at UAMS and was always impressed with how much he loved you and how proud you made him. Jim was a great nurse and supportive colleague to all of his co-workers! Even when we were all tired and short-staffed, Jim managed to stay positive and keep everyone laughing! I’m so sorry for your loss!