Jeffrey Douglas Jorde

Jeffrey Douglas Jorde, 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 12, 2018. He was born in Rushford, Minnesota to Stan and Phyllis Jorde. Jeff graduated from Rushford High School in 1972. He attended the University of Minnesota and earned a B.A. in Psychology in 1978. Jeff moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1978 to pursue an M.B.A. in Health Administration at the University of Arizona, where he met his wife Susan. Jeff and Susan married in 1984 and shared 33 years of marriage together. Jeff worked at Southwest Behavioral Health Services for over 30 years where he served as the CEO and President. His care and attention to those in need was demonstrated throughout the community. Jeff implemented hundreds of programs to serve those in need. His mission was to inspire people to surpass expectations and reach their full potential. Jeff globally expanded Southwest Behavioral Health Services to SIAS University in Zhengzhou, China in 2009 and was later elected president of the SIAS Foundation. He assisted in providing behavioral health services as well as the opportunity for students and faculty to work in the US. Jeff enjoyed an active lifestyle, from playing basketball,...[more]

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running, cycling, and weightlifting. He will be remembered for his booming laugh and passion for football. Jeff was very involved in his children's lives and loved being a father. He is survived by his wife Susan, his four children: Amanda, Tia (Josh) Alexander, Dylan, and Zachary. Jeff's mother Phyllis, his sisters: Diane (Dr. Martin) Stewart, Laurie (Erik) Overland, and Patty (Mike) Ebner. Jeff will be missed dearly by his family, friends and community. A celebration of life event will be held on June 2, 2018, at 12pm at Events on Jackson, located at 245 E. Jackson St. Phoenix, AZ 85004. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley at HOV.org