Samuel Thomas Jordan

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Sam Jordan. He was indeed a “Renaissance man”, with many interests and talents, who made this world a better place for 94 years. Sam was a Vietnam War hero, a pilot, a Marine, a college athlete, a world traveler, a passionate fisherman and a history buff. But above all, he was a devoted father to Anne and a loving grandfather to Eleanor.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, David and Mary Jordan, his uncle, Thomas Starling, and aunts Pam Kellum, Emmie Waller and Edna Starling. Sam is survived by his daughter Anne Jordan Cook, husband Jeff, granddaughter Eleanor Stills and his devoted companion, Betty Waller. His additional surviving family are cousins, Dr. Randall Starling, Tom Starling, Bob Starling and Suzanne Juliussen.

Sam was born in Washington, D.C., but spent his early years in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

He also spent many summers near Danville, Va., on his grandparents’ farm, where he learned to milk cows, cure tobacco, shoot a rifle, ride horses, swim and fish.

He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School near Washington D.C., but it was Woodberry Forest School in Virginia that really made an impression on his life. He was successful in track and field and wrestling there and liked his coaches and teachers. He described them as examples of how to live life with integrity and purpose. He graduated from the University of N.C. at Chapel Hill, with a major in Modem European History. He was on the wrestling team and excelled in track (low hurdles) and pole vaulting. Sam was a member of the Xi Chapter of St. Anthony Hall (Delta Psi).

Sam joined the Marine Corps and graduated at Quantico, Va. He received his flight training at NAS Pensacola, Fla. and was stationed in Japan during the last days of the Koran conflict. Sam then worked as a pilot for Air America, a CIA organization during the Vietnam War. He flew helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, delivered supplies, took critical photos and most importantly, did Search and Rescue. One of those rescue missions included rescuing Rear Admiral Don Boecker and Rear Admiral Don Eaton, as written by Samuel Thomas Jordan in the Hook Magazine under “All in a Day’s Work”.

Sam married had a daughter, Anne, built a house in Thailand and traveled He lived in southeast Asia for over 14 years. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, he accepted other CIA jobs as a flight instructor in Egypt and Iran. When he returned to the US, he flew for American Eagle which later became American Airlines and he ended his career there as a flight instructor.

Sam will always be remembered as a good natured multi-talented man, devoted to his family, his friends and the Georgetown Presbyterian Church. He lived the Golden Rule. He loved to travel and loved life. Fishing and flying were activities he greatly enjoyed. He loved to play his harmonica. He did not seek the limelight, but loved to tell his personal travel stories.

Samuel Thomas Jordan served his country with honor and distinction. His was, indeed, a life well lived.

Deep appreciation is extended to Suncrest Hospice and to the staff of Arden Courts of Richmond for their compassion and support. Also, a special heartfelt thank you to these supportive friends and family who extended so much love and attention to Sam this past year: Linda, Carol, Cindy, Millie and Suzanne.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, March 12th 2026 at the Brandermill Church at 2 :30 pm and a Reception will follow. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Sam's name to The Brandermill Church, 4500 Millridge Pkwy, Midlothian, VA 23112 or a charity of your choice.