In Memoriam

August 13, 1947 - September 19, 2021

   Danny Ray "Blacky" Jorgenson passed away unexpectantly at his cabin at Whiskey Lake on September 19, 2021
Blacky began his life in Sioux Falls, S.D. in 1947.  In 1965, he joined the Marine Corps for a better life and served in Vietnam.  According to Blacky it was the best thing that ever happened.  With his GI bill he obtained his pilots license in Colorado while running its many rivers.  He arrived in Alaska in the late 70s, ready to fly and worked for numerous bush pilot outfits from Valdez to Barrow and Nome.  Finally, Blacky found his seat in the cockpit with the Flying Tigers and FedEx retiring as a Captain.  Flying by the seat of his pants Blacky flew from one adventure to the next at 500 knots around the world many times.  Blacky hunted all over Alaska and oral history out of Takotna River claims his hunting camp as Blacky's Slough.
He leaves behind two children, Cale and Quinsey; along with their spouses, Lahela and Hugo; and grandson, Laleo.  Blacky also leaves behind his hunting partner of over 35 years, Tommy Norvig.  Blacky and Julie (below) just celebrated 10 loving years of marriage.
There was  a  Toast to Blacky at the Amvets Post 49 in Anchorage Alaska on October 10th, 2021.  According to his fellow FedEx pilot, Steve Collins, it was standing room only and Blacky would have loved the send off.

Below, Blacky fishing with fellow FTL pilot Tim Christ.

Anyone wishing to contribute to this page with archived pictures or testimonials about Blacky is encouraged to contact us at email@flyingtigerline.org