OBITUARY
JAMES ALEXANDER JORDAN BASc, P.Eng.
May 13, 1925 – January 8, 2021
James Alexander (Alex) Jordan BASc, P.Eng. Passed away peacefully at Etobicoke General Hospital on January 8th at the age of 95, after a brief illness. Alex was a highly respected Professional Electrical Engineer (P.Eng. U of T 1951) whose professional experience began at Toronto Hydro in 1952. In 1968, he joined East York Hydro as Chief Engineer, then became the General Manager in 1987. Alex was past District 4 president for the AMEU, member of the IEEE, MEA and Chairman of the Toronto Board of Examiners for the Electrical Workers licensing Master Electricians.
Alex joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age 18 and was a wireless mechanic for Hawker Hurricane planes in Gander, Newfoundland and later in St. John’s at the control centre. He was a proud WWII veteran giving speeches in schools and proudly wearing his medals. Alex was dedicated to his family, very active in the church, loved planes, travelling, gardening and talking about anything technical or electrical.
Alex will be lovingly remembered by his wife Murdeena, his children Joanne (Michael), Howard, Shelley (Jim), Robert, Douglas and Grant. He was a devoted grandad and great grandad to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care for their compassionate care the past few years. Private services entrusted to Giffen-Mack Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held later, to celebrate Alex’s life. Donations in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackscarborough.com for the Jordan family.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
JAMES ALEXANDER JORDAN BASc, P.Eng.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYMabel Sansom
January 22, 2021
Dearest Murdeena and family - so very sorry to hear the news of Alex's passing. He was such a lovely man so kind and gentle and a good friend of our family. We know he will be missed so very much and sending our love at this time. I am sure all the wonderful memories will be a great source of comfort and joy. Love Mabs and Brian
John Dawson
January 19, 2021
Murdeena
I was sorry to see Alex's notice in the newspaper. As you know, I had the pleasure to sit beside and learn from Alex for 12 years, from 1972 to 1984, as a junior Engineer at East York Hydro. I also recall you being in the other end of the building, Murdeena. Alex was truly an inspiration to learn from. I am sure it was his knowledge that helped me go on, to work at Scarborough Hydro, and then operate my own Lawn Sprinkler business.
Unfortunately, I did not know he was at Tony Stacey, or I would have gladly visited him, as it is nearby. My wife is sure she saw him occasionally, when she visited there. I repair electrical items, at the Legion next door.
I also admire him for speaking in the schools, about the war, as my uncle also loved to do this. We were fortunate to watch him do it. You could hear a pin drop, and the kids asked so many questions afterwards. I can easily imagine how Alex would have excelled at this.
The world is a better place, for him having touched it.
John Dawson, P. Eng.
Jim Shepherd
January 17, 2021
Dear Alex,
I am fortunate to have had you in my life for close to 40 years, after meeting your daughter Shelley!
I always enjoyed our time together, whether it be sharing a round of golf, engaging in a conversation, or you answering my endless and ongoing questions on every wire and electrical connection between the generating station and the relay panel in my house… I could always count on you for the answer.
I particularly enjoyed our conversation on the changes you have seen in our world since your childhood. You responded to my curiosity and helped me visualize those changes in technology and lifestyle that occurred during your life. From your descriptions of the constant soot on the window sills, in the winter, from coal heating; to witnessing T. Eaton Company horse-drawn carriage crossing the Gerrard Street bridge every morning; you helped me create a mental image of days gone by. In your 95 years, horse drawn wagons picking up the garbage transformed into the mechanized machines today, picking up and sorting our waste. To me, the change is mind-boggling, and you were able to witness it all.
I am so grateful for your wisdom, integrity and strong values that I saw mirrored in Stephen and Brian as they grew. You taught by example and we were very fortunate to have you and Murdeena in our lives. You supported our family during difficult times and often cared for the boys to allow Shelley and I to have some quality time. I have fond memories of the special moments we shared when we traveled and vacationed with the two of you.
It was my privilege to have known you; such a kind, gentle and loving man. You will always have a special place in my heart.
You will be missed...never forgotten...until we meet again.
Much Love,
Jim
Terry and Anne-Marie Graham
January 17, 2021
Dear Murdeena,
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
It was always a pleasure to see you both at the "HORAN FAMILY GATHERING, at Brenda and Carl’s Farm.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences,
Terry and Anne-Marie Graham
Robert Johnson
January 16, 2021
Alex/Grandad,
I was extremely happy when you came into Mom’s life. I have watched over the years how you have treated her with love and respect like a true gentleman would. You always stressed the importance of education and hard work, encouraged us all to do our best and reach our goals. You have been such a positive influence and role model for all of us, and will be truly missed. Thank you for being an amazing father and grandad.
May you rest in peace.
Love Robert, Michael, David and Eric
Laurette Parent
January 15, 2021
Alex was a true gentleman.... I was on the board of directors for our condo with Alex a few years ago .... Always such a well informed man, and it has been a joy to have known him.
Tracey West
January 14, 2021
My most heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. May cherished memories of Alex help you to heal in the days to come.
Grant Johnson
January 14, 2021
To my Father,
You have been an amazing father to me and grandad to Alex. You have been a great role model and teacher. You have taught us many lessons and shared your wisdom – love, kindness, responsibility, class, and engineering skills with Lego.
The world is a better place because of you! It is your time to take your next journey to Heaven, where I am sure you will help God to improve Heaven's infrastructure through your engineering skills, and help tend to his garden:)
Love your son,
Grant
Alexander Johnson
January 14, 2021
To Grandad,
A wise man who has taught me many lessons.
Thank you for being an amazing Grandad.
Love Alex
Murdeena Jordan
January 14, 2021
To my dear husband Alex,
You have been a wonderful husband, father, grandad and great grandad. I am thankful we have had an amazing life together. Tall, dark, handsome and romantic, you showered me with love and affection. I will miss our daily conversations, but I know you are going to a better place.
All my love,
Murdeena
Maria Johnson
January 14, 2021
What a life you have lived Alex!.....a true kind, gentleman.
Thank you for all you brought to the family. You were an incredible Grandad to our boys and were loved and respected deeply.
You will be missed greatly, but will remain forever in our hearts. Rest peacefully.
Maria
Wendy Jarvis
January 14, 2021
I have lovely memories of many conversations with Alex, after meeting him at Church of the Master United Church. I know he was greatly loved, and will be missed equally. My prayers are with Murdeena and family.
Wendy Jarvis
Wendy Burgess
January 13, 2021
I have many wonderful memories of visiting with Alex at Tony Stacy.
- outside in the sunshine, inside at dinner or lunch, Alex was always so interested in what and how I was doing; and, so interesting to talk to about his experience in the Second World War and his career. Alex was a consummate gentleman, a wonderful cheerleader, and a very caring soul.
I know you can hear me, Alex. Thank you so much for letting me be part of your life and your family. I will miss you terribly. Love you. Rest In Peace.
Wendy
Shelley Shepherd
January 13, 2021
Mike, Eric, Murdeena, Alex, Rob and Dave
Shelley Shepherd
January 13, 2021
Murdeena and Alex
Shelley Shepherd
January 13, 2021
Remembrance Day Church Service
Alexander, Alex and Grant
Shelley Shepherd
January 13, 2021
Alex Jordan WWII Veteran
Shelley Shepherd
January 13, 2021
Murdeena & Alex with some of the grandchildren - Mike, Brian, Dave, Murdeena, Alexander, Stephen, Alex and Eric
Shelley Shepherd
January 13, 2021
Dear Alex,
I remember when…….
• you took me to my 6:00 a.m. hockey games and you were one of few that were in the stands. It was so early in the morning.
• you taught me how to drive at the Scarborough Town Centre before it opened. We practiced parallel parking over and over. I passed my license on the first try. 😊 You were a good teacher.
• I dented the back left fender of the car in the underground and you said, “it is only a car, as long as you are okay”.
• we would be driving in the car and you would be pointing out the different streetlights. It was the electrical engineer in you.
• we had a flat when travelling home from Florida and you were able to maneuver the car to the side of the road safely. A scary time but you avoided an accident.
• we travelled to the family picnics in Quebec.
• you walked me down the aisle of my wedding.
• we travelled through Vermont together.
• you would play with Stephen & Brian and show them how things worked and build structures with Lego. You were a wonderful Grandad to the boys.
• we came home and you had taught Stephen to ride his bike without training wheels.
• you would take the boys swimming.
• we all went to Cuba together.
• we would take the grandchildren to Thompson Park, The Scarborough Bluffs, Bruce Mills. Fun times!
• we had our shopping trips to Cedarbrae Mall & The Golden Mile. Of course, you had a list of things to buy. Then we enjoyed a lunch together. A special one on one time for me and you.
• we had our times outside of Tony Stacey and we would sit and enjoy the sunshine and I would talk, and you of course would listen. Maybe share a few stories or some advice. You were always a good listener.
• we had all our family gatherings together, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas. You were in attendance for it all.
Thank you for your love, support, advice, patience, understanding and always being there for Jim, Stephen, Brian and me.
Love Shelley (your daughter)
Sharon Carothers
January 13, 2021
I am so saddened to hear of the death of Uncle Alex. I, and my family, have many years of fond memories at family gatherings. He'll be forever in my heart and in my memory. Rest in Peace.