15 Years Later

EOW: June 2, 2011

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the passing of Agriculture Specialist III Michael “Mike” Alan Jensen of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Though time has passed, Mike’s legacy of service, hard work, faith, and dedication to others continues to be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Born on June 26, 1962, in Fort Worth, Texas, Mike Jensen dedicated more than two decades of his life to serving with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. During his 22-year career, he worked in a variety of assignments, including Security, Classification, Grievance, and Agriculture, serving at the Huntsville, Clements, Estelle, Ellis, and Wynne Units. Along the way, he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of coworkers across the agency.

Mike was more than a correctional professional — he was a cowboy at heart. Outside of his work with TDCJ, he pursued his lifelong passion for ranching, horses, and agriculture. After attending farrier school, he founded J5 Farrier Service in Huntsville and worked on ranches throughout Texas. Whether he was shoeing horses, working cattle, hunting with friends, or spending time outdoors, Mike embraced the cowboy way of life with pride and humility.

Those who knew Mike remember him as a man of strong faith, unwavering character, and genuine kindness. He never met a stranger, always tipped his hat to a lady, and carried himself with integrity and respect. He loved God, his family, his church family, and the simple values that guided his life.

On June 2, 2011, Agriculture Specialist Michael Jensen suffered a fatal heart attack while conducting a training session for offenders on the care and management of horses at the Wynne Unit. Even in his final moments, Mike was doing what he loved — teaching, mentoring, and working alongside others.

Mike is survived by his wife of 22 years, Rhonda Jensen, his children Justin, Lindsey, and Lacy Harding, grandson Brayden Davidson, and many extended family members and close friends who continue to honor his memory.

Fifteen years later, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation joins the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Mike’s family, friends, and fellow correctional professionals in remembering a man whose life reflected dedication, compassion, faith, and service. His impact continues to live on through the countless lives he touched both inside and outside the correctional profession.

We will never forget Agriculture Specialist III Michael A. Jensen and the legacy he leaves behind.