James "Jimmy" Essex Jordan Jr.

Early Sunday, June 14, 2026, we saw a beautiful sunrise, but Jimmy saw the brighter light of the Son and Heavenly Father welcoming him home. James Essex “Jimmy” Jordan Jr. was born on May 4, 1937, in Williamsburg, VA. Jimmy was the eldest son of the late James E. Jordan Sr. and Mildred Roberts Jordan.

As a youth, Jimmy accepted Christ at Saint John Baptist Church. He later joined First Church of Newport News (Baptist). Upon returning to Williamsburg, he joined First Baptist Church with his family, where he was an active member until his health failed.  Jimmy enjoyed singing bass in various choirs and performing in theatrical productions at both First Church and First Baptist Church. He served as a Trustee for several years and participated in the Men's Fellowship. He also worked diligently with the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School in the capacity of van driver.  He was always available and willing to render any other task that needed to be done.

Jimmy was educated in the Williamsburg/James City County Public Schools, graduating from Bruton Heights in 1957. While in high school, he worked at Mr. Jefferson's Esso service station in Grove and attended Auto Mechanic school at Hampton Institute.

After high school, Jimmy joined the United States Army; serving from October 1957 to September 1962. Upon returning home, he began working at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. and took classes at the Apprentice School. In 1980 Jimmy left the shipyard and began working at Anheuser-Busch Inc., retiring in 1999. During his leisure time he enjoyed woodworking, drafting, framing and matting pictures, fishing, hunting, playing golf, grilling and smoking meats (especially venison,) and camping with the VA Camping Cardinals. He was a handyman (Jack of all Trades).  Jimmy’s favorite sport was baseball, which he loved to play.

His community service included Cub Scout/Boy Scout Troop Leader, T-Ball Coach, Relay for Life, Faith In Action, and the Community of Faith Mission.  Jimmy was a quiet, fun-loving person who loved to see people happy. He touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

He was also preceded in death by his three sisters and four brothers.

Left to cherish his memories are the love of his life and devoted wife of sixty-three years Christine G Jordan; his daughter Kim D Jordan; his son Ramon K Jordan (Megumi); his grandchildren, Xavier Ryu Jordan, Sasha Luna Jordan, and Michael Leo Jordan; his brother Richard Jordan; his aunt Ruby Thomas; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other loving and caring friends whose lives he touched with love and affection.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Historic First Baptist Church.  Interment to follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.  Mr. Jordan may be viewed on Sunday, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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