Jeffrey James “Jeff” Jordan
January 17, 1959 - February 14, 2025
Jeffrey James “Jeff” Jordan, age 66, of Newark, DE, passed away surrounded by his wife and son on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Born on January 17, 1959, in Wichita, KS, he was the third son of the late Athen and Fay Jordan. After graduating from Hardin Simmons in 1981, Jeff completed his degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and then obtained his PhD in 1989 from Purdue University. He taught for one year at Notre Dame University as a visiting professor and then in 1991 accepted a position at the University of Delaware in the Department of Philosophy. During his tenure with Delaware, Jeff was awarded the “Excellence in Teaching Award” in 1999. He also served many years in multiple capacities in the University Faculty Senate; he was President of this organization from 2011-2012. Jeff loved writing and his works included: editing three anthologies, co-editing a fourth, as well as authoring more than 80 articles, book chapters and reviews. His book, Pascal’s Wager: Pragmatic Arguments and Belief in God was published by Oxford University Press in 2006. Jeff enjoyed teaching and loved his students. He taught twelve winter session study abroad courses in Italy. Jeff enjoyed debating with colleagues and students. In his younger days, he played basketball, in later years, he was an avid racquetball player and competed in many 1st state racquetball tournaments. When the courts closed during COVID, Jeff started playing pickleball. He was a fierce competitor on the court and was hardest on himself when he missed a shot. However, his greatest love was for his family, especially his wife and son. Many vacations and trips were spent with his wife, son and dogs, hiking, exploring historical sites and traveling both in the US and abroad.
In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his brother, Brad Jordan (Shannon). He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Julia (Tegarden) Jordan; son, Jacob Jordan (currently stationed in Germany serving as a 1st Lt in the U.S. Army); brother, Don (Judy); nephew, Matt (Carrie); niece, Amanda (Ben); as well as nieces by marriage and great-nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A celebration of his life will begin at 11 am on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 15 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring his remarkable life.
Any family members or friends who are unable to attend the service for Jeff, may live stream the service by clicking here.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Battlefield Trust, P.O. Box 1751, Merrifield, VA 22116-1751 or online by clicking here; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online by clicking here.
Faith Hughto
Jeff, Julia and Jake were such a big part of our hockey family, with many great memories. The hockey talk and family “catch up” were remembered the most. No matter where we were during our “ice” years,” Jeff always seeked our family out to catch up on the boys. Our heart and condolences go out to the family.
Michael Rea
I’m so sorry. Jeff and I lost touch after I left Delaware back in 2001, but I have so many good memories of him, and our time together while I was there.
Janet Brown
Julia and Jake
So loved reading about Jeff. An amazing man. Wish I had the privilege of knowing him
Sending my love and prayers
Janet
Tom Russell
Julia, we were very saddened to learn of Jeff’s passing. Living here in W. PA, we did not even know he was ill. Eileen and I send our sincere condolences and will be praying for both you & Jake.
Andre
I am sorry for his loss he was a great man I loved Jeff I was his guide in israel
I am sad to hear the news
Andre
Kris conner
Julia and Jake, I had no idea until I just saw your post. I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to the two of you and I am so glad you have each other. You are such a wonderful family and we have always cherished our time with you.
Cliff Lester
Julia, I’m sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was my college roommate and friend. We had some fun times together.
He truly impacted my life.
Praying for you and Jake.
Mary Barrishl
Julia and Jake, no words can express how very sorry I feel for your loss. May you find peace in knowing you were loved by a wonderful husband and father.
Janet Skomorucha
Dearest Julia and Jake, Such a beautiful tribute of accomplishments. He certainly was one to be proud of. I had the privilege to know Jeff through his loving wife whom I have the honor to work with. At Christmas time a knock on my front door there they would be, the whole family fur children in hand singing a beautiful Christmas carol that brought tears to my eyes. I will never forget their love and caring hearts. A beautiful family always and forever.
Ginny Widdoes
Oh, Julia and Jake, I’m so sorry to hear about your Jeff’s passing. What a happy, vibrant man who savored life like a delicious entree at a restaurant in Italy. What wonderful experiences he shared with his family and students. He taught them curiosity which is a gift to be truly cherished.
I’m so glad to have met him and shared a few (too few) conversations with him.
What a wonderful man !
So sorry for your loss.
Penny
Julia and Jake,
I will always feel blessed to have you both and Jeff in my life. I always loved our visits either planned or spontaneous along with your fur babies. Your friendship has impacted my life.
Daniel Howard-Snyder
I’m sad to hear of this news. Early on in our careers, we were united in our affection and admiration for his PhD advisor, Bill Rowe, who was also on my dissertation committee, and we worked together to edit a festschrift for Bill, to express our feelings for him. Unfortunately, we lost touch over the years, but I studied his work with great profit. My condolences to Julia and Jacob, and others who are close to him. –Dan
Christopher Boorse
Julia, Jeff enriched my life, both personally and professionally. His shocking death impoverishes my world. I am so sorry.
Mike Tomaszewicz
For Whom the Bell Tolls
by
John Donne
Next
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
Jane Koehler
My heart goes out to you Julia and Jake. I hope your memories sustain you as you travel this path of grief. I have such fond memories of jeff and jake ushering and just jumping in when needed at WCCPC. You are in my prayers.
Gerald M Turkel
I am so sorry. I was in the leadership of UD-AAUP when Jeff was President of the Faculty Senate. We worked on a variety of policies together, often starting from different positions but always reaching common ground. His sharp and incisive intellect was characterized by a deep willingness to engage in full and meaningful discussion. His passing is a loss to the University and to the meeting of minds.
Denise Smith
Julia and Jacob, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear of Jeff’s passing. I’m sorry that I didn’t see him one more time in the office to offer a hug as well. He was such a sweet man, always a pleasure to see. I hope you find strength in one another in the coming months, and I know you both have an angel watching over you.
Sincerely, Denise Smith (Your Monday morning Kennett girl)
Doug Stalker
Jeff was a great colleague and a great friend. He wouldn’t let me retire without a small gathering at his house, where I also had many a holiday dinner. After that, he would regularly send me emails about the department, his work, and how his family was doing—especially his son Jake, whom he was especially proud of. It is a shock to her of his death. His loss, as Chris Boorse said, diminishes mine. Each death of a good friend does that, bit by bit, alas.
International School for Advanced Education
The International School of Higher Education in Volterra (Italy) remembers with much affection the times spent with the dearly beloved Prof. Jordan