October 18, 1933 – May 18, 2023
Mr. Clifton Junior (CJ or Clif) Jordan, 89, Yorktown, VA, passed into eternal life quickly and peacefully on May 18, 2023 with his family by his side at Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, Virginia.
He was born in Prince George County to the late Clifton M. and Ocie Todd Jordan. He was educated in the Hopewell/Prince George County School system. Clifton demonstrated his quickness to learn at a very early age and graduated at 16 years old with honors from Carter G. Woodson High School, Hopewell, VA in 1950. He also graduated from John Tyler Community College (now Brightpoint Community College). As a young high school graduate, Clifton was in pursuit of many new experiences, adventures, personalities, and responsibilities he had read about that the world had to offer him. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, arriving at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas on his 18th birthday.
Clifton had an outstanding and brilliant military career working with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) that ordered him to such places as the Republic Seoul, South Korea and twice to the Republic of Vietnam for combat assignments. He performed his duties gallantly. Clifton was also ordered to duty in Morocco, North Africa; Panama Canal Zone; Germany; Spain and England. Some of his continental USA assignments were California; Texas; Delaware; Georgia; Nebraska; and Hampton, VA. He retired from the USAF after 20 plus years of distinguished service as a Staff Sergeant. During his military career he was recognized with several letters of commendation; metals and citations for outstanding service rendered his country. His primary occupation while in uniform was Air Police Investigator (CID). It was while assigned to RAF Scampton, England he met his first love, his first wife and the mother of his sons, Zorha Mohammed Jordan of Digo Martin, Port of Spain, Trinidad. That union lasted for 43 years upon her completing her earthly assignment and going to glory.
He returned to Hopewell, Virginia in 1972, began working for Honeywell Inc. (formerly Allied Signal, Inc.) and retired in 1998 as a journeyman millwright. After retirement, Clifton pursued his true love of traveling. He was known to drive from coast to coast and all parts in between and purposely take the longest route. He was the one relative to be there no matter the occasion or location.
Clifton confessed Christ as his personal savior and protector at a very early age at Friendship Baptist Church, Hopewell, VA. He was very active in Sunday School, singing in the “Sunshine Band”; Male Chorus; and Senior Choir. He was also an active and dedicated member of the Blackstone Community Chorus; and F and AM Masons Shiloh #33, Hopewell, VA.
Clifton met his second wife, Marie, in 2010. After a beautiful courtship, they became one by the power of the Sacrament of Matrimony. This union brought both Clifton and Marie great happiness.
He is preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Zorha M. Jordan (d.2006). Surviving are his devoted and loving wife, Marie M. Jordan of Yorktown; two sons, Clifton Michael Jordan (Cheryl) of Richmond, Kevin Dean Jordan (Joannalyn) Jordan of Henrico; three grandchildren, Aaron Jamaal, Akosua Yaasmeen, and Fatima Addae Jordan; two brothers, Starrie (Deloris), South Chesterfield and Paul Jordan (Amy); Charles City; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Mahan, Mrs. Joyce Jones (Stewart), Hopewell and Mrs. Winifred Gilmore; Woodbridge; two bonus children, Darryl (Valerie) of New York and Denise (James) of Isle of Wight; three bonus grandchildren, Piajet, Torian, and Tavion; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm, Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at Friendship Baptist Church, 1305 Arlington Road, Hopewell. Interment will be held at Appomattox Cemetery, Hopewell. Public visitation will be held from 10-7pm, Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the caring professionals of Bland Funeral Home, 137 Harrison Street, Petersburg. (804) 732-7841, blandfuneralhomes.com.