New London - Charles James Jordon, 81, of 597 Ocean Ave., New London, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 28, 2014.
He was born in Thomasville, Ga., the son of the late George and Mammie (Frazier) Jordon. Charles graduated from Northeast Jewish High School in Philadelphia and attended college at Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. Charles served two years in the U.S. Army during Korean War, and was honorably discharged and returned to Philadelphia. Jobs were hard to find during the 1960s, Charles worked whatever jobs he could find; he even worked at Campbell Soup Co. He worked or looked for work during the day and went to trade school at night, where he learned blue print reading, drafting, and welding. He became a first class ship fitter. He would later be known in the trade industry as "one shot Charlie", because when he measured a piece of steel and cut it, it always fit. Charles worked at the Philadelphia Shipyard, New York, and wherever else he could find work. Someone told him about Electric Boat in Connecticut, where came in 1964, and was hired as a shipfitter. He was first class when he came to Connecticut, but EB cut him back to third class. That really upset him and made him angry. He was determined to prove to EB that he was indeed a first class tradesman. He quickly earned a reputation of respect in the Shipyard.
It was during that time when he met Ora Lee Hodges Wilson. After a long courtship, they married and purchased a home at 597 Ocean Avenue where he remained until his departure.
Charles believed in equality and justice for all. In his workplace, he joined ranks with Charles Potter, Lou Cornelius, John Guess, Jim Robinson, Jim Gilliard, and Clarence Faulk to form a bi-racial committee, where weekly meetings were held in his home. The dining room was the classroom and the kitchen table was the teacher's desk. It took a lot of struggling, frustration, and disappointments, and then finally they were able to make things better. Charles used that same room and table to teach blueptint reading, drafting skills, and math to many EB workers, young and old.
Charles was a licensed pilot. He built his own "Flying Machine" (Gyrolopter). He made a solo flight from Waterford Airport to New York to New Jersey and back to Waterford. Charles was a lifetime member of the NAACP. He was a Master Tradesman, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Besides his wife, he leaves to cherish his memory six children, Stephen, Carmen, David, and Julian, all of Philadelphia, Regina G. Wilson and Marilyn D. Wilson, both of New London; three cousins of Philadelphia; nine grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Garvin St., New London. Interment with military honors will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery. Bourne, Mass. A calling hour will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Lester Gee Funeral Home, 108 Blinman St., New London.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rest In Peace Mr. Jordan. Thank you for guidance and all your help. To the family my deepest sympathy.
Crystal Smith
April 7, 2014
R.I.P Grandpa . You Was Such An Amazing Person Inside And Out We All Miss You Sooooo Much !!! But We Know That Your In A Good Place Now With God ... I Love You Pops ????
Alexis Barnes-Lawson
April 6, 2014
To the Jordan family, sorry to hear about your loss, may God bless all of you. Charley was a good friend and mentor of mines. He taught me blueprint reading at EB. He will be missed.
Randy Williams
April 5, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Family of Charley Jordan. I worked with Charley and always had the greatest respect for him. Always willing to help whoever needed it. I am sure he will be missed by all. I have very fond memories of working with Charley.
Jim Hammel
April 4, 2014
I was so sorry to hear about my old pal Charlie Jordan crossing the bar. He was my mentor and friend when I worked for the Education Department in the yard. I was an OJT instructor & he always strived to make us better Shipfitter's as well as better instructors. Charlie was a very savvy man and well liked by all who knew him. The stories about his working in the shipyard at EB are are the stuff of legend. "Measure twice & Cut once." God-Speed my friend!
AJ Hocking
April 3, 2014
R.I.P Pop ... I Love You
alexis lawson
April 3, 2014
Dearest Minister Jordan, please receive my family's heartfelt sympathies for you and yours at this time. I remember Mr. Jordon from church as a quiet, unassuming man, but he appears to have touched so many lives. He had a great purpose, and he fulfilled it to the betterment of many. Our prayers are with you.
Sarette Williams
April 3, 2014
Sorry to here about your lose.worked with charles at EB.
Jim Everett
April 2, 2014
Much sympathy for your loss. Prayers for you and your family during this challenging time.
Diana Saunders & Family
April 2, 2014
Dear Minister Jordan and family,
I was sorry to hear about your loss. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.
Teresa Kinn-DuBose
April 2, 2014
I remember Charlie from EB, he was one of the first folks I met there, a real characters. I met Charlie when I started, he taught blueprint reading to us during pre-employment back in 1977. Everyone who met Charlie liked him, and no one ever forgot who he was. I think everyone who worked at EB knew Charlie or know of him, he was really well respected and liked.
RIP Charlie...cheers!
Jim Berg
April 2, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the Jordan Family. We have fond memories of our good neighbor Charlie. Ora, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Joyce Family
Phoenix, Arizona
Pete & Carole Joyce
April 2, 2014
The Hall Family sends there condolences.
Diane Hall
April 2, 2014
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