Terry Jay Jordan

Terry Jay Jordan, 80, of Woodland passed away surrounded by his family on February 28, 2021. Terry was born on November 14, 1940, at the family farm on Jordan Road to Irving and Violet (Curtis) Jordan. Terry graduated from Woodland High School in 1959, and married his high school sweetheart, Rachel McClelland, on June 24, 1961.

Terry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rachel, his children Teresa (Scott) Knapp, Pam Suntken (Todd Westdorp), Greg (Mary) Jordan, six grandchildren: Kyler Knapp, Evan Knapp, Doug Suntken, Morgan Suntken, Gabriel Jordan and Noah Jordan. He loved them all dearly and shared many stories, adventures, and laughter with all.

Terry is proceeded in death by his parents, sister Janet Kimble, brother-in-law Richard Kimble, brother Ogal Jordan, sister-in-law Janice Jordan, and special uncle Cecil Jordan, and several other aunts, uncles, and cousins. We can imagine the reunion they are all having now!

While attending Woodland schools, he participated in track, football, basketball, baseball, and marching band where he made lifelong friendships that he cherished. A story he always liked to tell was that the school needed marchers more than musicians and he was specifically asked not to play, just march and help form the “W”. He continued to play many years in men’s league basketball on the Art Meade’s “Ford Mustangs” team. He enjoyed anything outdoors – hunting at the deer shack and playing tunk, fishing at Pines Point, camping, hiking, snowmobiling. The first snowmobile was purchased with money saved to buy Rachel’s new kitchen cupboards! In later years, he had a pond filled with catch and release only pet fish, even though he sold Rachel on the idea of the pond by saying we could have fresh fish any day of the week. No family member remembers ever eating fish from that pond!

He was a volunteer fireman for many years and always helped out a neighbor or family member whenever he could. Terry worked the family farm for over 20 years, where his family was raised. He then sold insurance/investments for A.L. Williams as a Regional Vice President. He later owned his own Real Estate Company in Lake Odessa. Terry could fix anything and did. He was the original DIY guy and received many calls from family for assistance.

In his retirement years, he and Rachel enjoyed camping and traveling out West, but most of all enjoyed his grandchildren by being a very involved, hands-on gpa and attended many, many athletic and extra-curricular events – rarely missed anything. He dearly loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and will be most remembered for all the laughter and love! He laughed and loved big! His quick wit and easy smile made for lifelong friendships and many, many memories.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 2, from 5:00 – 8:00; funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 3, at 11:00 with visitation one hour prior at the Central United Methodist Church, 912 Fourth Avenue, Lake Odessa, Michigan Officiated by Pastor John Waite.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Manna’s Market or to the family for various charitable donations.