J. Phillip Jourdan

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University of Detroit Mercy

J. Jourdan Obituary

JOURDAN J. PHILLIP JOURDAN Of Alexandria, VA, died May 21, 2010, after a long battle with cancer and heart disease. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Jourdan, children Brian Jourdan of Detroit, MI; David Jourdan of Falls Church, VA; Daniel Jourdan of Arlington, VA; Kathryn Jourdan of Bolton, England; Michael Jourdan, of Washington, DC; William Jourdan of Ann Arbor, MI; and six grandchildren. He was born in Detroit in 1932 and graduated from the University of Detroit and the Detroit College of Law. His distinguished career in Washington and in Michigan spanned 30 years. He served for 8 years as Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. William Brodhead (D-Mich). When Brodhead retired from Congress in 1982, Jourdan went to work for Michigan Governor James Blanchard as his first Budget Director, and later became Blanchard''s Chief of Staff. He subsequently served as Wayne County Circuit Court Judge. He and his wife retired to Alexandria, VA, in 2002. He had eclectic tastes in music ranging from Puccini to Irish folk music, the Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. On the occasions when he officiated at weddings, he often quoted The Who: "one and one don''t make two; one and one make one." He was an avid walker, a spirited pinochle player, and a doting grandfather. Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 3305 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041-2499.

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Published by The Washington Post on May 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Jourdan

9 Entries

Kristin Ballance

June 5, 2010

Dear Jourdan Family-
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
--Kristin Chavez Ballance

Bill Brodhead

June 1, 2010

Phill Jourdan was a trusted adviser, a big brother, a man you could trust with your life, a very enjoyable companion, the life of the party, a learned man, a wise man, a totally devoted husband and father, a sensitive and caring guy. He was not ashamed to be moved to tears by human suffering. Far more often, he was moved to laughter, to joy, to singing. He was patient, kind, loyal, hard-working, honest. He was a dear, dear friend who greatly enriched my life and the life of my wife and children. We all loved him. We will never forget him.

Sonja Anderson

May 26, 2010

My prayers are with the family. May you have peace that passes all understanding. Hold each other up in love.
Stay Blessed.

Ed Fahner

May 26, 2010

Sharon & children .. you have our sincerest sympathy. We have many fond memories of the summer & Christmas gatherings in Michigan. Phil was truly a remarkable man. We will keep you & Phil in our prayers. The Fahners

May 26, 2010

Phill was an exceptional human being. With Sharon, he raised six wonderful children, was dedicated to civil service, cared about all people, served as a just and fair judge, was an avid reader and an all around wonderful person. Among many memories, I recall asking him if he could make one change in the law what that would be. Without hesitation, he replied “Eliminate the death penalty.” This is a testimony to Phill’s humanity and goodness. With Sharon and the children, I will miss Phill’s great spirit. He has made the world a better place.

With love and a kiss of peace to the Jourdan Family.
Meg Falk

May 26, 2010

I am going to miss my Uncle Phill. He was a strong willed family man who accomplished much in his life. We had many very fun times over the years, but the ones I remember the most involve intense conversations on politics, a little less intense discussions on music (he shared my passion for the Beatles), sports, movies and of course family. We also shared a love for the game of bridge and played it many times. These sessions got a little loud and competitive when my dad and his brother, Duke, got together to play the game.
My uncle was also a very lucky man because he married my Aunt Sharon. They then had six of the greatest kids, and cousins, you could ever find in Brian, David, Kathy, Danny, Michael and Bill. Although Phill is now gone, he will live on through Sharon and my cousins and we will experience more great and fun times in the years to come.
Love from my entire family; me, Brenda, Jeremiah, Holly, Caitlin and Tori.
Bill

Uncle Phill with his grandniece Caitlin.

May 24, 2010

My Uncle Phill was a remarkable person... so intelligent and talented and yet a 'regular guy.' He was a devoted son, husband and father. May he rest in peace. Love to you all, Cathy

John & Ellen Schelble

May 24, 2010

Phill Jourdan was a remarkable man by any standard--a public servant his entire life, he served at the local, state and federal levels of government, and in the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches. Few, if any, can match his breadth of experience or commitment to public service and good government. His work literally made better the lives of millions of people.

A man who valued knowledge, he went back to school--law school--at night, while working full time and raising his family--and became an attorney in his spare time. He loved the law and was utterly committed to equal justice for every person. But Phill did not just talk it; he lived it.

A devoted family man, he raised six wonderful and remarkable children, all of whom reflect great credit on their father and contribute in significant ways to our community, our country and our world.

His heart was big enough to include people outside his everyday contacts, and his joy of life, natural optimism and upbeat, caring manner attracted people as mysteriously, and as surely, as flowers attract honeybees.

Phill Jourdan was a man who was not content to watch what happened. He made things happen. He loved music, art, the United States of America, the State of Michigan, Star Wars, government, politics, laughter, the law, the Beatles, fairness and equality, cards, reading, justice, plants and rocks--particularly those imprinted with the fossilized images of ancient plants and animals

But most of all he loved the former Sharon Cunningham, his partner for over 50 years, whom he often credited for all that was good in him, and to whom he was utterly devoted. So strong was their bond that it was a source of joy for a person to merely be in the presence of both of them at the same time.

Phill's passing is an incalculable loss for all those who loved him, whom he loved and whose lives were touched by his.

He will truly be part of our lives, forever.

Lois DaCrema

May 24, 2010

David, your family will be remembered in my prayers and especially the Holy Rosary for your Father. May he be at peace and joyfully see the Face of God.

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