James H. Jordan

James Howard “Chico” Jordan, son of the late Thomas B. Jordan and Lillie E. Jordan, was born July 20, 1941, in Bainbridge, Georgia. At an early age, he professed his faith in CHRIST and joined First African Missionary Baptist Church. Chico was a graduate of Hutto High School Class of 1959; afterwards, he attended Tuskegee University, majoring in Law and playing on the baseball team. Chico moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he became an auxiliary police officer from 1962-1970. As a member of the auxiliary police force, Chico unfortunately was a first-hand witness to the Newark riots of 1967. Upon leaving the police force, he became a supervisor for Sherman-Williams Paint Company until retiring and returning home to Bainbridge. He rejoined his First African M. B. Church family and was an active member in the choir and the eldest member of the church family. Chico also devoted time to his wife’s church family of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Brinson, Georgia.

Chico was married to his wife Barbara for seventeen years. He had five children from previous relationships. 

Chico was an avid softball player for the Newark Transit League, where his team won several championships. He loved fishing. He especially loved his fishing trips with his granddaughter Kiara and his close friend Vee. Chico also enjoyed fishing with his friends Walter Hodge Sr., Jewell Hodges and John Hicks, who all preceded him in death. Chico enjoyed attending Bainbridge High School basketball games, where he became an active fan and follower of the boys’ and girls’ teams. Chico was also a member of the American Legion Post 502.

Chico quietly departed this life on November 29, 2024, at Bainbridge Healthcare. He was preceded in death by his three siblings Dorothy Love, Annette Jones and Andrew Jordan; his beloved son Jemar Jordan; and his granddaughter Brielle Alston.

Chico is survived by his wife, Barbara Jordan; his children: Caldon Jordan of Bainbridge, GA, Kenneth (Callie) Jordan of Atlanta, GA, Dave (Trish) Jordan of Lithia Springs, GA, and Christopher Jordan of Orange, NJ; stepdaughter, Angela (Kenneth) Lawson; his grandchildren: Kendrick Jordan, Jemar Jordan Jr., Kendall Jordan, Kiara Jordan, and Ja’Nae Jordan; and stepgranddaughter, Najiyah Lawson. He also leaves behind his lifelong friend Cornelius Allen and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Chico will be sadly missed but remembered through the lives of his family and the valuable life lessons and teachings he imparted, as well as the love and legacy he has left with his loved ones.