Funeral Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories
Date: 02-23-2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Time: 11:00 AM
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Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories
Date:
Time:
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Obituary
Reflections of Life John Henry Jordan
I have worked in the fertile earth and planted a garden, so I know what faith is; I have listened to the birds caroling in the early morning. So I know what music is. I have seen the morning without clouds after showers, so I know what beauty is. I have associated with friends, so I know what friendship is. I have walked the paths of quietness with God, so I know what peace is. I have dwelt in the Valley and on the hills of home, so I know what love is. My work here is finished and I take flight to a land of peaceful rest.
A Time to Be Born
From time to time, the world is graced by the presence of rare individuals whose accomplishments are so extraordinary, whose influence is so far-reaching, and whose selfless service to their fellow man and their communities is so complete that they can only be described as giants. Such a man was John H. Jordan.
His name echoes with honor throughout the communities of Waynesboro, Mississippi, and Kankakee and Springfield, Illinois. Teacher, coach, assistant principal, businessman, television host, author, mentor, and friend are just a few of the many roles he carried with distinction and grace. John Henry Jordan entered this world on January 17, 1943, in Waynesboro, Mississippi, born to Ordella and Eugene Jordan. From that humble beginning emerged a life defined by purpose, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others.
A Time to Learn
John Henry Jordan began his educational journey at Chapel Hill Elementary School in Waynesboro, Mississippi, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning. He graduated from Riverview High School in 1960, already demonstrating the determination that would define his future. After high school, continued his education at the insistence of his mother, Ordella. At one point, he told her he did not plan to return for his second year of college. Her unwavering response became a defining moment in his life: “When that bus leaves here Monday morning, you are going to be on it.” He boarded that bus, and in doing so, stepped fully into his destiny.
With his mother’s steadfast encouragement, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University in 1964. His pursuit of excellence did not stop there. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois, in 1972, and later achieved a Doctor of Education in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida, in 1977.
A Time to Serve
In a world that often defines success by accumulation of wealth and personal gain, John Henry Jordan distinguished himself not by what he gathered, but by what he generously gave away. Uplifting others was not simply something he did; it was the very heartbeat of his life. He was always attentive to opportunities to encourage, empower, and elevate those around him. What made his mission extraordinary was its ripple effect. He understood that when you lift one person, you expand their capacity to lift someone else. In this way, his influence extended far beyond any single act of kindness or mentorship.
John Henry Jordan embodied the quiet yet transformative power of human connection. His life stands as a testament to the truth that real strength is revealed not in standing above others, but in standing beside them and helping them rise. In pouring into others, he did not diminish himself; instead, he demonstrated that true legacy is measured in the confidence restored, the joy ignited, and the lives strengthened along the way.
A Time to Nurture
John Henry Jordan truly never met a stranger; he had a gift for turning every encounter into a meaningful connection. Whether in passing or in prolonged conversation, he nurtured people wherever he found them, offering encouragement, wisdom, and warmth. Once you met him, you never forgot him. Even more, you were better for having crossed his path. He possessed an unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of people, and through that belief, he inspired others to see the best within themselves.
A Time to Rest
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Concordia Care Center in Springfield, Illinois, John Henry Jordan peacefully transcended earthly bonds and began his Journey into eternal life. He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, cherished by his devoted wife of 33 years, Gloria Jordan; brother, Jimmie Jordan of Millington, Tennessee; daughters, Karla Runnels and Jan (Jess) Gathing; son, Roderick Jordan; and beloved grandchildren, Alonzo Cephus, Schuyler Love, Michael Price, and Jessica Gathing. He is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by his presence.
I have worked in the fertile earth and planted a garden, so I know what faith is; I have listened to the birds caroling in the early morning. So I know what music is. I have seen the morning without clouds after showers, so I know what beauty is. I have associated with friends, so I know what friendship is. I have walked the paths of quietness with God, so I know what peace is. I have dwelt in the Valley and on the hills of home, so I know what love is. My work here is finished and I take flight to a land of peaceful rest.
A Time to Be Born
From time to time, the world is graced by the presence of rare individuals whose accomplishments are so extraordinary, whose influence is so far-reaching, and whose selfless service to their fellow man and their communities is so complete that they can only be described as giants. Such a man was John H. Jordan.
His name echoes with honor throughout the communities of Waynesboro, Mississippi, and Kankakee and Springfield, Illinois. Teacher, coach, assistant principal, businessman, television host, author, mentor, and friend are just a few of the many roles he carried with distinction and grace. John Henry Jordan entered this world on January 17, 1943, in Waynesboro, Mississippi, born to Ordella and Eugene Jordan. From that humble beginning emerged a life defined by purpose, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others.
A Time to Learn
John Henry Jordan began his educational journey at Chapel Hill Elementary School in Waynesboro, Mississippi, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning. He graduated from Riverview High School in 1960, already demonstrating the determination that would define his future. After high school, continued his education at the insistence of his mother, Ordella. At one point, he told her he did not plan to return for his second year of college. Her unwavering response became a defining moment in his life: “When that bus leaves here Monday morning, you are going to be on it.” He boarded that bus, and in doing so, stepped fully into his destiny.
With his mother’s steadfast encouragement, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University in 1964. His pursuit of excellence did not stop there. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois, in 1972, and later achieved a Doctor of Education in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida, in 1977.
A Time to Serve
In a world that often defines success by accumulation of wealth and personal gain, John Henry Jordan distinguished himself not by what he gathered, but by what he generously gave away. Uplifting others was not simply something he did; it was the very heartbeat of his life. He was always attentive to opportunities to encourage, empower, and elevate those around him. What made his mission extraordinary was its ripple effect. He understood that when you lift one person, you expand their capacity to lift someone else. In this way, his influence extended far beyond any single act of kindness or mentorship.
John Henry Jordan embodied the quiet yet transformative power of human connection. His life stands as a testament to the truth that real strength is revealed not in standing above others, but in standing beside them and helping them rise. In pouring into others, he did not diminish himself; instead, he demonstrated that true legacy is measured in the confidence restored, the joy ignited, and the lives strengthened along the way.
A Time to Nurture
John Henry Jordan truly never met a stranger; he had a gift for turning every encounter into a meaningful connection. Whether in passing or in prolonged conversation, he nurtured people wherever he found them, offering encouragement, wisdom, and warmth. Once you met him, you never forgot him. Even more, you were better for having crossed his path. He possessed an unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of people, and through that belief, he inspired others to see the best within themselves.
A Time to Rest
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Concordia Care Center in Springfield, Illinois, John Henry Jordan peacefully transcended earthly bonds and began his Journey into eternal life. He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, cherished by his devoted wife of 33 years, Gloria Jordan; brother, Jimmie Jordan of Millington, Tennessee; daughters, Karla Runnels and Jan (Jess) Gathing; son, Roderick Jordan; and beloved grandchildren, Alonzo Cephus, Schuyler Love, Michael Price, and Jessica Gathing. He is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by his presence.