Obituary of James 'Jim' Henry Jordan

Passed away peacefully holding the hand of his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Margaret, on Saturday, May 12, 2018, in his 94th year. Jim was born in Windsor, Ontario to Irish parents who had immigrated to Canada in pursuit of employment opportunities. His father worked as a mechanic in the 1920s for the Ford Motor Company but employment opportunities diminished in the 1930s. In 1934, Jim, at the age of nine, and his family returned to Donegal, Ireland and settled in Portstewart. Prior to his eighteenth birthday, Jim enlisted in the British Royal Air Force and began a four year career that took him to India, Burma, Singapore and the Dutch East Indies. At the end of his term, he was given a six month leave in Britain, where he rejoined his family in Ireland. Despite intense attempts on behalf of his brother to convince him to re-enlist, Jim made the decision to move back to the country of his birth, Canada. Jim met the love of his life, Margaret Kercher, at a dance in London. They were married in July 1957 and together celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last summer. Jim was employed by General Motors in both London and Oshawa for many years, and also at Organ Company of Canada for more than 20 years. Jim was quick witted, generous, and fun-loving. He enjoyed gardening, playing golf, swimming, and keeping fit. He and Margaret travelled extensively beginning in the earlier years with trips that included family to Florida, Expo’67, and the Caribbean. Many summers they would rent cottages and host family at the lake. In later years, they took many cruises, cross country auto trips, and tours to exotic destinations. Jim will be greatly missed by his wife, Margaret; sisters-in-laws: Doris Jeffery of Exeter, and Lavinia Jordan of Blackpool; nieces and nephews: Judy Jeffery-Chambers (Gord) of St. Marys; Ruth May (Steve) of London; Bill Jeffery (Cathy Tennant) of Toronto; Moira Niezen and Craig Jordan of Australia; and Annabelle and Peter Jordan of England. He was a great-uncle to: Jacob May of Banff; Alex, Jordan, and Joseph May of London; Janessa Chambers of Waterloo; Zack Chambers of St. Marys; Stephen Jeffery of Fort McMurray; Sam Jeffery of Toronto; Kate, Timothy, Michael, Matthew, and Elise of Australia; Lilly, Darcy, Jack, and Amy of Blackpool; and great-great uncle to Felicity and Rory of England. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Matilda and Samuel Jordan; parents-in-law, Herb and Myrtle Kercher; brothers: Sammie of England and Bert of Australia; brothers-in-law, Spencer Jeffery and Ross Kercher; and sister-in-law Helen Jordan. A private family Celebration of Life has already taken place.