Dr. Jordan opened his dental practice shortly after graduating in 1955 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and remained in the same office for over 60 years. During those years, Dr. Jordan was known for his expertise in the latest dental techniques and a generous heart. He looked for ways to save patients’ teeth instead of removing them, and his practice included a medley of thankful clients. Dr. Jordan’s favorite part of being a dentist: “I love to make people laugh.”
Three or four evenings each week, Dr. Jordan played saxophone and flute in a variety of jazz and big bands. He performed at Starlight Theater in Kansas City, backing up well-known artists like Barry Manilow. His work is still found on a variety of recordings by local ensembles. Dr. Jordan’s lucky patients were often treated to his vast record collection while getting treatment.
Dr. Jordan’s retirement years were spent at Kingswood Senior Living Center, where his band mates often returned to serenade him and the residents. The family is especially grateful to the good care that he received from Kingswood and Ascend Hospice.
Dr. Jordan was preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine Olivia Smith and her spouse, L. Darby Smith; and his parents, John and LaVerne Jordan.
He is survived by his nephews Randall D. Smith (Joyce) Columbia, Mo; Gary D. Smith (Tracy) Elizabeth, Colo.; Gregory J. Smith (Deserée) Hong Kong; and niece Linda Olivia Smith (Kevin), Arlington, Va.
Pallbearers include nephew Gary D. Smith; great-nephews, Ryan and Jackson Smith; George and Ron Fakoury (brothers-in-law of Randall Smith); Lt Col Kevin N. Little, USAF, Ret. (husband of niece Linda Olivia Smith) and bandmates Dr. Tom Olson and Stan Chappell.
Honorary pallbearers are nephew Gregory J. Smith; Andrew J. Smith (son of nephew Gary D. Smith) and CAPT Haney D. Hong, USN, (husband of great-niece, Lauren Olivia Hong).
A legacy scholarship in Dr. Jordan’s name is being established at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Donations in Dr. Jordan’s honor should be made out to:
Rinehart Foundation
650 E 25th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
Memo line: In memory of Dr. John Neil Jordan
If it is easier, friends are always welcome to call the School of Dentistry’s office at 816-235-2060 to make a gift. There is also a link here on his website page.
Visitation will be held at 10 am Friday and services at 11 am at Mount Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Mo. 64131. Burial will immediately follow services in Mount Moriah Cemetery.
A reception will be held at Kingswood Senior Living Center following burial. Kingswood is located at 10000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64114.
