James €Œjim†Lee Jordan

Jim was born the oldest child of Lee and Mary Maxine Jordan in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he lived until he was eight years old. While his father was stationed overseas in the Navy during WWII, Jim, his mother, and sisters lived with his grandparents on their farm. Jim's most treasured childhood memories were of the time spent with his grandfather working and playing on the farm. Jim would later name his oldest son Phillip in honor of his grandfather.

After living in many places throughout the country for his father's job, his family settled in Rawlins, Wyoming when he was thirteen years old. Jim grew to love the outdoors because of the time he spent exploring and camping in the hills above his home in Rawlins. During family trips through Rawlins, Jim's children got to see the hill he "walked up both ways" on his way to and from school each day. Jim graduated from Rawlins High School in 1960. He loved the town and happily returned many times for high school reunions.

Jim joined the Army in 1961 and was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany after basic training. He held many positions in the Army until his sergeant discovered he had experience working in the post office during high school in Rawlins. He was assigned to be a postal clerk, and proudly served in this position until 1964. Jim then served in the reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1967.

During his time in Germany, his sister notified him that her friend Kay Yengich was traveling through Europe, and she asked him to meet with her. He took her to a carnival and they struck up a friendship. When Jim returned from the Army, his family had moved to Utah, and he decided to reconnect with Kay, who lived in Sandy, Utah with her family. Soon they began dating, fell in love, and married on November 24th, 1965.

Throughout their 56-year marriage, Jim and Kay built a wonderful life with their three children in Midvale, Utah. They developed valued friendships with their wonderful neighbors, enjoying dinner parties and camping trips together. Jim was a caring father who made hearty breakfasts every morning for his kids, curled his daughter's hair each day for school, served as a boy scout leader for his sons, and made the most delicious waffles every Christmas morning. Jim loved to golf and passed this love on to his sons, who are both still avid golfers today. Jim and Kay shared a love for travel. Each fall they would plan a trip and set out on an "adventure" together. They traveled throughout the country visiting and learning about the history of our country.

By marrying Kay, Jim became part of a large, extended family. His greatest joy was spending time with his in-laws. When Jim became a grandfather, his heart opened even wider than he ever thought possible. His most treasured experiences were those spent with his grandchildren. He shared with them his love of flying, airplanes, cooking, and the military.

Jim worked in sales throughout his adult life. For the last 22 years of his career, he worked in restaurant equipment sales, which was a perfect marriage of his love for sales as well as his love for cooking. Jim was an avid cook and foodie. He loved trying exotic foods, preparing intricate meals, and trying new recipes. He loved collecting kitchen gadgets to try and eating out at restaurants. After he retired, he volunteered at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City in the audiology and acupuncture departments. He took great pride in being able to contribute his time and care to the many veterans he served.

Think of Jim whenever you eat a delicious meal, wear a plaid flannel shirt, hear a good pun, or cheer on the Utes.

Many thanks to the wonderful nurses who took such great care of him at the VA Hospital throughout the years and especially in his final hours. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the VA hospital of Salt Lake City or a veteran's organization of your choice. https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/

Jim is survived by his wife Kay; his children Phillip (Ellen) Jordan, Mark (Jennifer Land) Jordan, daughter Annette (Erik) Nielsen; his grandsons Nicholas Jordan, Milo Nielsen, and Abram Nielsen; his sister Janice (Edward) Cleary; his sister-in-law Linda (Randy) May; his brother-in-law Ronald (Kay) Yengich; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews whom he loved like his own children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two sisters Marilee "Maire" Jordan and Judy McCrary; his father-in-law Nick Yengich and mother-in-law Erma Yengich.

For this full version of the obituary and photos, please visit: https://www.goffmortuary.com/listings

A church service and burial will take place on Thursday, December 16, at 11:00 am at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park chapel and cemetery located at 17111 Camp Williams Road in Bluffdale, Utah. Services will be followed by a reception from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at Anderson & Goff Mortuary located at 11859 South 700 East in Draper. The family requests that attendees wear a mask to all services.