It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Fletcher Jordan, age 78, who peacefully departed this world on Friday, October 27th. John was born in Beaumont, Texas, to proud parents John Davis Jordan and Sadie Lumsden Jordan and shared his childhood with his sisters, Ellen and Martha Kate.
After graduating from Lamar University, John was drafted into Vietnam. There, he exhibited incredible courage and selflessness, earning both a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal. Though he would insist that these honors were more common than they truly were, John's bravery and heroism were undeniable.
Upon his return home, John's path led him to Maas Brothers in Tampa, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Jordan. Their love story began with a chance encounter while John was auditing cash offices, and Barbara was setting up the Christmas Tree Department. Their introduction and a subsequent page over the intercom from John asking Barbara on a date eventually led to a life of deep love and commitment that spanned over 50 years.
John and Barbara welcomed two children into their lives, Todd, married to Jenni, and Leslie, married to Travis. He was also a cherished grandfather to Todd and Jenni’s children, Elijah, Abby, Isabel, and Jeymi, his greatest source of joy and pride.
John will be remembered for his unwavering selflessness, always putting his family above all else, his boundless love, and his fun & sarcastic sense of humor. He had a gift for bringing laughter to any situation and lovingly teasing those he held closest to his heart, reminding us not to take life too seriously and to strive for our best.
In addition to being a dependable source of strength for his family, John had an accomplished and well-respected career as a commercial property manager. He oversaw properties such as the First Florida Tower in downtown Tampa, Tampa City Center, and multiple buildings at Rocky Point for Chase. As with all aspects of life, he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to his team's success, establishing himself as a dependable and respected figure. His commitment and reliability earned him the genuine respect and camaraderie of his closest colleagues and employees, which remained a cherished part of his life and endured for the rest of his days.
A dependable source of strength, John stood by and supported his family through thick and thin. He was a loving and devoted husband, a proud father, and a constant source of encouragement. He was a man of few words but spoke volumes through his actions. One of John's favorite traditions was their annual July family gathering in Longboat Key. Those cherished moments with his immediate family brought him immense happiness.
John took immense pleasure in watching and hearing about his children and grandchildren excel in sports and performances. He had a true love for baseball, particularly when his son or grandson were on the field, and he was an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Rays. In retirement, John enjoyed playing golf, where he was affectionately known as 'Double' to his golfing buddies.
To honor John's preference for a private family life, we will not be holding a formal open service. Instead, we will have a small, intimate family event to celebrate his life, as he would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that you consider making a donation to, Justice Matters, an organization that holds a special place in our hearts. John's daughter-in-law, Jenni, had dedicated years of her life to this nonprofit, which provides vital legal support to survivors of Human Trafficking. Your contribution can make a meaningful impact. You can donate here: https://justicemattersnc.org/donate/
In these challenging times, we feel the profound loss of John deep in our hearts. His legacy will forever remind us to be strong, resilient, and compassionate. We will continue to support and love our family and friends unconditionally, just as he did, no matter the circumstances. John's memory will live on in our minds and hearts, and the love he demonstrated to his family and friends will forever be an inspiration for us all.
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