William “Captain Jordan” Jordan bid farewell to his beloved family and friends Monday morning, Nov. 11, 2013, the way he did everything in life – his way.
At his Vero Beach home of more than 40 years in the arms of his loved and cherished wife of over 50 years, Carole Jean, and with their treasured son William (Billy) by his side; Bill left Vero Beach for a place beside his Savior, Jesus.
He is also survived by his sons Billy (Heather), and William Monte (Cindy), his daughter, Dr. Jona Jordan; four grandchildren; brothers Jimmy, Joe and John; and his brother-in-law, Pete George.
Captain Jordan faced his battle with cancer the same way he faced every other battle in his life – with bravery, determination, dignity and with his family beside him.
Born in Georgia, Captain Jordan and his bride, Carole Jean, made Vero Beach their home over 40 years ago. Their love and devotion to Vero Beach has been exemplified by their continual dedication and commitment to their community, which continued for Bill to the end and continues today through his loving family.
Following four years of US Air Force education in Aviation and Air Transportation, Captain Jordan pursued administrative and engineering studies at Dade Junior College, Rollins College and the University of Southeastern Oklahoma. He was the youngest senior rated air traffic controller in Miami before beginning a distinguished career as an Eastern Airlines Pilot.
Flight experience with Eastern included Captain B727, DC9, B757, L1011 and Lear Jet Check Captain B757. Captain Jordan had approximately 25,000 hours flight time and was certified in Inertial Navigation for the North Atlantic, Pacific, South and Central America, Europe and most all other parts of the world.
He founded Jordan Sprinkler Systems in 1972, a business his son still operates. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and served as Chairman of the Board of Indian River State College. Captain Jordan served as Mayor of Vero Beach in 1997 and in the late seventies he was chairman of the Vero Beach Airport Commission.
As Mayor of the City of Vero Beach, Bill had the opportunity to work closely with city administration bringing deliberate and conservative decision-making in regard to financial, environmental and human resources. He was the City of Vero Beach representative on the Economic Development Council and the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and as the City appointed member to the Joint City/County Beach Restoration Committee.
Captain Jordan proudly chaired the George H. W. Bush for President campaign in 1979-1992 and he was co-chairman of George W. Bush for President between 2000 and 2004 and Jeb Bush for Governor campaigns in 1998 and 2002. He was Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of Indian River County from 1986-1987.
During his time on the Airport Commission, Captain Jordan was most proud of the construction of the 43rd Avenue Fire Department. He fought all the way to the White House for funding to build the fire station in a location that served all of Indian River County instead of a proposed site that would have only served the airport.
Fire rescue responders from the 43rd Avenue Fire Station were with Bill Monday morning when he passed away. It was about a year ago the same responders successfully rescued Bill when he collapsed at his home. He was so very proud and grateful to them.
As a member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees appointed by Governor Bob Martinez to Indian River State College, Bill provided key leadership at a critical time in the selection of the College President and also initiated the creation of a valuable coalition of educational system administrators which was an economic benefit to all system participants.
As a member of the Indian River County Finance Advisory Committee, Captain Jordan was instrumental in the development of sound economic policies to protect the interest of local taxpayers.
Sunday evening, Nov. 10, 2013, dear friends and family celebrated Captain Jordan’s 75th birthday, where he enjoyed the love of those closest to him with hugs and kisses from his grandson.
A true patriot, Captain Jordan will always be remembered for never compromising on things that were the most important to him – God, his family, his friends, his country and his love of Vero Beach.
Captain Jordan will be missed as the revered and dear husband, father, grandfather and friend of many and favored son of Vero Beach.
Viewing will be held Friday, Nov. 15, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Ave., Vero Beach.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church with internment to follow at Crest lawn Cemetery.
Friends are invited to make donations to Sun Up ARC and/or Vero Beach Masonic Lodge No. 250 in memory of William “Captain Jordan” Jordan.
