The story of Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs, is not just about innovation and wealth—it’s also a deeply personal tale of resilience, family, and transformation. While many know Bezos as the tech visionary behind Amazon, fewer are aware that he was adopted as a child and raised by Miguel “Mike” Bezos, a Cuban immigrant who became a petroleum engineer and, eventually, a billionaire himself.
Here’s a detailed look at the family behind the billionaire and the extraordinary journey that shaped Jeff Bezos’ life.
Key Highlights From the Family’s Journey
- Jeff Bezos was born in 1964 to Jacklyn Gise and Ted Jorgensen, who divorced when Jeff was just 17 months old
- Jacklyn later married Miguel “Mike” Bezos, who adopted Jeff and gave him the Bezos surname
- Mike Bezos fled Cuba at age 16, arriving in the US as a refugee after Fidel Castro’s regime seized his family’s timber business
- He built a successful career as a petroleum engineer at Exxon and, with Jackie, invested nearly $250,000 in Amazon in 1995
- Their early investment turned into billions, making them Cuban-American billionaires and philanthropists
The couple’s belief in Jeff’s vision laid the foundation for one of the most successful family investments in history.
Miguel Bezos: From Refugee to Billionaire
Born in Santiago de Cuba, Miguel Bezos arrived in the United States in 1962 as a teenager escaping political upheaval. After spending time in a Miami refugee camp, he moved to Delaware for school and later earned a degree in engineering. His career at Exxon spanned decades, but his most transformative decision came in 1995 when he and Jackie invested their savings into Jeff’s fledgling online bookstore.
Despite having little understanding of e-commerce, Miguel and Jackie trusted Jeff’s ambition. Their investment gave them a significant stake in Amazon, which grew exponentially over the years. The couple later co-founded the Bezos Family Foundation, focusing on education and youth development.
Jackie Bezos: A Legacy of Perseverance and Belief
Jacklyn “Jackie” Bezos, who passed away on August 14, 2025, at the age of 78, was a pillar of strength and support throughout Jeff’s life. She became a mother at 17 and raised Jeff as a single parent while attending college classes at night. Her marriage to Miguel brought stability and love, and together they raised three children—Jeff, Christina, and Mark.
Jackie’s belief in education and continuous learning led her to earn a psychology degree at age 45. Her philanthropic work through the Bezos Family Foundation included major contributions to education and healthcare, including a $710 million gift to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
Ted Jorgensen: The Forgotten Father
Jeff’s biological father, Ted Jorgensen, was a teenage unicyclist who lost contact with Jeff after his divorce from Jackie. He did not know that Jeff had become a billionaire until 2012, when author Brad Stone tracked him down while researching The Everything Store. Ted expressed regret over the lost connection and passed away in 2015 without ever reconnecting with his son.
Jeff has consistently referred to Mike Bezos as his true father, crediting him with providing love, support, and guidance throughout his life.
Conclusion: A Family That Believed in Possibility
The story of Jeff Bezos is inseparable from the lives of Jackie and Miguel Bezos. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in Jeff’s potential helped shape one of the most iconic success stories of the modern era. From refugee camps and night school to boardrooms and billion-dollar foundations, the Bezos family journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of belief.
Sources: MSN News, News18, Hindustan Times, Livemint, House & Whips
