Jerry Jordan passed away at Swedish Hospital, Seattle after a final debilitating stroke on October 20, 2012 at the age of 64.

Jerry was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the youngest in a large family of ten and known by his families nick name of “HOPPY” because of his love of Hop-Along-Cassidy. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Betti Jean Jordan, his brother James Jordan and Shelby Triplett and numerous step grand-children and great grand-children. He is preceded in death by his parents, his many brothers and sisters and most recently his only step-son Shannon Gilroy.

After graduating from Norwood High School, Jerry entered the USN as an aircraft carrier flight deck fireman serving in Midway Island, Memphis, Tenn., and Beeville, Texas. After a short return to civilian life Jerry re-enlisted in the USN and began his naval career as a Navy jet aircraft mechanic serving in Alameda, Calif.; Point Mugu, Calif.; Jacksonville, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Whidbey Island and Atlanta Ga. He and his wife Betti met in Alameda, Calif. and married in 1976. Jerry and Betti enjoyed the Navy life style and met many wonderful lifelong friends along the way. Jerry advanced in his enlisted career and received numerous USN commendations, medals and sailor of the quarter awards throughout his 27 year career retiring as a Senior Chief.

In 1996 they returned to Whidbey Island embracing the “island lifestyle” and adapted their interests to bicycling, hiking, picnicking and exploring the outdoors.Together they enjoyed antiquing, attending theater, taking classes and Jerry even acted in two plays locally. He and Betti also enjoyed gardening and remodeling their home. Jerry enjoyed BBQing and gourmet cooking for his friends and family and hosting parties through the years. He and Betti loved Christmas and decorated their home from top to bottom with decorations and invited neighbors, family and friends to their open house parties. Jerry was an avid reader, a fierce scrabble and trivia competitor. Jerry enjoyed competing in sailing events, boating and fishing. Jerry also golfed, played softball, jogged and played racquetball throughout his life. In the years after his first stroke he continued to challenge himself working out at Thrive Fitness Center, taking Tai Chi at the college and Spanish lessons and the senior center. He enjoyed taking horseback lessons from HOPE Therapeutic Horseback Riding program. He and Betti were considering restarting dancing lessons. Jerry enjoyed square dancing, ballroom dancing, Cajun and Western and loved adding to their extensive eclectic collection of music.

All through their 38 years together they both shared a curiosity and joy of travel exploring new and different cities and sites and camping in their motor home in nearly every state in the union. They also loved cruising and traveling the world to many places and countries including Europe, Mexico, Russia, Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean. He and his beloved grandson Joshua Castro, who had come to help his grandparents after Jerry’s first stroke had traveled to the Florida Keyes and Alaska together.

Jerry touched many lives on the island and wherever he lived. He had a wonderful sense of style, a wicked wit, along with a generous nature that endeared him to many he met along the way. Jerry volunteered with local organizations wherever he lived; as a fireman in Florida, a literacy instructor in Louisiana and always served people with disabilities wherever they lived. He was devoted to his family and expressed his love in many ways. He will be missed and fondly remembered as one of the good guys.

A celebration of life was held at the family home 2-4 p.m. Sunday, October 28. Memorials and donations can be made in Jerry’s honor to HOPE Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Oak Harbor Senior Center.