Ernest Jordan Obituary

ERNEST “PHIL” JORDAN
November 23, 1933 ˜ September 7, 2024

Phil Jordan (90) passed away peacefully at home in Ridgefield, WA. Born in Grants Pass, OR, Phil was a man whose life was marked by dedication, intelligence, and deep commitment to his family.

Phil attended East Lincoln School in Grants Pass, OR, and graduated from Ridgefield High School in Washington. After high school, he served in the Air Navy, 1951-1954, 13th Naval District from Seattle. He worked as an aviation electronic technician on P2 planes flying border patrol near the end of the Korean conflict.

His machinist career started as apprentice at Issacson Steel in Seattle. He moved to Vancouver, WA, and worked at Premier Gear Works in Portland, OR, for over 20 years where he worked his way up to superintendent. Phil also co-owned Jordan’s Go-Kart Rides in Vancouver and volunteered tirelessly as a firefighter for Department 6 in Clark County. He secured a machinist supervisor position close to home and went to work there at Commercial Repair (Somarakis) in Vancouver until he retired. After retirement, he worked part-time; volunteered for Boy Scouts and Ridgefield Neighborhood Association; raised a large garden; and was always happy to help family, friends, and neighbors.

Phil attended Footprints Church (formerly Pleasant View Church) and Ridgefield Nazarene.

Phil is survived by his children, Jeffrey Blaine Jordan (Linnette), Vonnie Phileen Jordan Sheadel (Roger), and Lance Scott Jordan (Linda); along with 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Edward and Duane Jordan; and longtime companion, Evelyn Thompson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Yvonne Salisbury, 1936-2009; mother, Hazel Hilery Heckendorf, 1912-1999; father, Maurice Amzi Jordan, 1907-1970; sister, Delores Jordan McWilliams Allen; and brother, Benjamin Jordan.

Phil enjoyed classic cars, NASCAR, hunting, fishing, golfing, camping, boating, and racing jalopies. He loved to travel! Favorite destinations were Hawaii, ancestral homes, races, ghost towns, and discovering new places with friends and family. He traveled by train across the country through Ridgefield High School’s FFA. His military service took him to Japan, Alaska, Tennessee, California, Guam, and Midway. He saw all 50 states.

A memorial service to celebrate Phil’s life will be held 11 a.m. Sept. 28, 2024, at Footprints Church, 801 NE 194th St., Ridgefield, WA. The service will be followed by a procession featuring classic cars to a graveside service at Northwood Park Cemetery, 16407 NE 15th Ave., Ridgefield, WA. Friends and family are invited to a potluck at Footprints Church following the services.

If you would like to donate, in lieu of flowers, Phil’s favorite charities were Woodland Moose, Prader-Willi Association of Oregon and Washington, and Footprints Church of Ridgefield.

Phil’s zest for life and kindness leaves a legacy of service, love, and community spirit that will be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate to know him.

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