Samuel Duane Jordan CLU husband father and a life insurance and investment advisor for over 35 years passed away on May 11 2012 in Grand Rapids following a 10 year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Sam was born in Toledo Ohio on September 8 1934 the eldest son of Samuel N. and Josephine L. Jordan; both of whom preceded him in death. During the Korean War Sam enlisted in the United States Army and achieved SP3 (T) status. After his honorable discharge in 1956 he went on to attend the University of Toledo where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Ohio Nu chapter. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Sam later garnered his Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) status from The American College in 1979. After moving to Michigan in 1960 Sam helped set up polio clinics in Grand Rapids while working in pharmaceutical sales. He later entered into what would become a long and successful career in the life insurance business with the Monarch Financial Group and much later Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids – East where he served as Club President from 1988-1989 and where he was honored with a 75th Anniversary Paul Harris fellowship. A music lover for most of his life Sam sang in many church choirs and possessed the unique ability to play several instruments by ear including: guitar ukulele accordion piano and the saxophone. During his college years he was a founding member of Ted Banana and His Bunch, a local Calypso band in Toledo. Over the years Sam never strayed too far from the waters of the Great Lakes. From his early sailing days on Lake Erie to amateur racing on Lake Michigan he was a master sailor and Captain. In addition to his love of music and boating he was an avid golfer and member of the infamous Dirty Dozen golf group. Prior to his illness he enjoyed countless hours perfecting his swing and avoiding the sand traps at Sunnybrook Golf course in Jenison.Sam is survived by his devoted wife Jane of 38 years; daughter Lisa and sons Eric (Ruth), Robert S. Zachary (Yolanda), and Andrew; five grandchildren; Samantha Grant (Madison), Chloe Elliott and Dylan; one great grandchild (Kinsley); and his brother Douglas (Barb) Jordan and sister Karen Jordan. Funeral services will be at the OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Visitation 2-4 & 6-8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Rapids Rotary East P.O. Box 6261 Grand Rapids MI 49516-6261 or the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter West Michigan Region 2944 Fuller Ave. NE Grand Rapids MI 49505.
