Name: Visitation for Daniel Porter Jordan Jr.
Start: 2024-03-27T21:30:00.000Z
End: 2024-03-27T23:30:00.000Z
Location: Teague Funeral Service

Born on July 22, 1938, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, Daniel Porter Jordan, Jr., led a remarkable life. He graduated from the University of Mississippi (History and English), was a two-sport scholarship athlete, a Sigma Chi, student body president, and member of the Hall of Fame. It was there that he met his love, Lewellyn "Lou" Schmelzer. They were married December 18, 1961, and their romance never dimmed. On his last day, he left a dozen roses for her on the counter.

He proudly served as an Army intelligence officer in South Korea and later earned his Ph.D. in History from the University of Virginia. At Virginia Commonwealth University, Dan chaired the History Department and was twice named professor of the year. He also published three books and over 80 articles.

Dan's greatest professional accomplishments are linked to his 23-year term as President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which owns and operates Monticello. With Lou at his side, Dan's leadership transformed Mr. Jefferson's home. The foundation created an over $200-million endowment, built the Thomas Jefferson library, purchased historic Montalto mountain, established the Thomas Jefferson Parkway and walking trail, and began countless educational programs. He would, however, deflect the credit to others and spoke often of his "Monticello family" and team.

There were too many accomplishments and awards to list, but for his many good works, Dan received the Commonwealth's "Outstanding Virginian" award in 2006.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Daniel P. Jordan and Mildred Dobbs Jordan. He is survived by his wife Lou; brother Joseph Lodwick Jordan; children and their spouses Dan and Teri Jordan, Grace Jordan and Victor Colom, Katherine Jordan and Walker Teele; and six grandchildren, Anna Jordan, Olivia Colom, Robert Jordan, Pablo Colom, Laura Teele, and Porter Teele.

Visitation is March 27, 2024, 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Teague Funeral Home, 2260 Ivy Road. A celebration of life will follow March 28, 2024, 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the University of Virginia Alumni Hall, 211 Emmet Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the history departments at the University of Mississippi or University of Virginia, and Dan and Lou's church Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Condolences and remembrances can be left at www.TeagueFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Progress on Mar. 26, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Jordan

9 Entries

Linda Hitchings

March 20, 2025

Mr. Jordan certainly is among those who live their lives well, leaving a mark on the world as they leave. Our world is better because of their presence.

Janet Miller

June 20, 2024

Lou, I am so sorry to learn of Dan´s passing. I have such fond memories of you both. You were such a wonderful team and both responsible for the enormous transformation of Monticello during your tenure. My thought are with you. janet

Jeannette May

April 8, 2024

Dan Jordan was the ultimate Virginia gentleman. I so enjoyed getting to know him at Monticello, and looked forward to his annual July 4 luncheons on the mountain after witnessing many inspiring naturalization ceremonies.
Dan was a brilliant historian and gracious, thoughtful neighbor. My condolences to Lou and the entire family on the passing of this treasured individual. I know he will be missed, but his memory will remain steadfast in my mind and heart.
Jeannette (Southall) May

A. Cordray

April 1, 2024

To the Jordan Family

I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
When I had seen & read the email I'd received from Monticello, I was saddened by the news.
I met Dr. Jordan through written correspondence, never in person 20+ years ago. I wrote the TJF about visiting & Dr. Jordan didn't just give my letter a prompt response, he invited myself & a guest to visit Monticello.
I will ALWAYS remember not just his being kind & gracious but, the further invitation to join the getting word project.
In our letters I couldn't help but notice that Dr. Jordan was a born teacher of history & that I am eternally grateful that our paths crossed in a very meaningful way. May Dr. Jordan rest in peace the world is a little poorer without him

Betsy Lewis-Moreno

March 31, 2024

Dr. Jordan was an amazing gentleman who was kind, brilliant, and generous with his time. He made everyone feel important, even a college freshman like me in his undergraduate class. He became my advisor and mentor and helped me with internships at local museums, nurturing my love of history. He always kept in touch, responding to letters and making time to welcome my family personally whenever we visited Monticello years later. He was such an important person to my academic and personal development during my formative college years. I remember how he spoke of his family with so much love. RIP Dr. Jordan. There aren´t many like him in the world!

Doris Delk

March 29, 2024

Dr. Jordan was a wonderful man and great person to work under. I loved my time at Monticello and was lucky enough to see him from time to time at the VA Historical Society, and he had the amazing ability to remember the names and ask about my sons each time I saw him. He was a great man and a blessing to Monticello and to Virginia. His legacy will shine brightly for many years.

Boo and Gary Greene

March 26, 2024

So sorry to hear of the passing of Dan. He was such a southern gentleman and just a wonderful guy! Our condolences to Lou and family! Love, Gary and Boo

Patricia Lewis

March 26, 2024

His Mississippi friends deeply mourn his death.
Patty and William Lewis

Mary V

March 26, 2024

Dr. Jordan was my history professor at VCU. One of my all-time favorite teachers. Condolences to his family.

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