Jeffrey Clayton O'Rourke excelled in math, and graduated at the top of his high school class in 1975. Jeff married Lissa in March 1996, a year after they first met, and were blessed with two children.. Jeff's life was cut short when he died suddenly in August of 2010. He was only 53. Because of Jeff's big heart, he made the decision long ago that he wanted to help others after his passing as an organ donor. "We can take solace in the fact that Jeff's compassion for others is keeping other lives moving forward," said Lissa.

Jeffrey's Story

Jeffrey Clayton O'Rourke was born June 24, 1957, in San Francisco, to parents Jack and Doris O'Rourke. Jeff and his four siblings were raised in Jefferson City, Mo. He excelled in math and as a result of his studies, graduated at the top of his class from Jefferson City High School in 1975. He was honored with a scholarship to the U.S. Naval Academy, with letters of recommendation from Missouri congressmen and senators. He left for Annapolis in the fall of 1975, and faced the immense challenge of fitting in and competing with top graduates from all over the country. Jeff began his study of nuclear engineering, but after two years of military life, decided that he belonged in civilian clothes.

Jeff spent the better part of a decade in various parts of southern California, including San Diego and Santa Barbara, where he received his bachelor's (in 1980) and master's degrees (in 1984). He would return to San Francisco, not far from the place where he was born, in 1986. The earthquake of 1989 shook him up, so a move to Seattle was his next transition, where Jeff would ultimately spend the rest of his life.

In 1990, Jeff found work as a controller for Cypress Semiconductor in Kirkland, Wash. Jeff married wife Lissa in 1996, and they were blessed with two children, son Jered and daughter Jalin.

Jeff's life was cut short when he died suddenly on Aug. 19, 2010, at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, WA. He was only 53. Due to the sudden nature of his death, Jeff and his wife Lissa were not given an opportunity to say their goodbyes. Through a vision, according to Lissa, Jeff was able to let her know that he is with his deceased parents in Heaven, that she and their two children will be alright.

Of all of Jeff's achievements, he would most recognize the title of "Father" as the one in which he took most pride. And Jeff was a hero, too. Because of Jeff's big heart, he made the decision long ago that he wanted to help others after his passing as an organ donor. "We can take solace in the fact that Jeff's compassion for others is keeping other lives moving forward," said Lissa.