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Jordan Schepps Obituary
Around the age of fifteen, Jordan succumbed to peer pressures experimenting with high school drugs and eventually leading to heroin addiction. Despite multiple rehab center programs, hospitalizations and incarcerations Jordan was unable to overcome heroin and its associated subculture. He often cried about missing his family and his "normal life" but was unable to work, climb, or love over the iron curtain and grip of heroin. On January 22, 2009, Jordan died of a heroin overdose.
Jordan told his sister Abbie and his brother Bryan not to follow the poor decisions he had made leading to his "second book of life". He would tell them to listen and follow the wisdom and loving advice of family and true long-term friends. He preached to others of the importance of everyday decision- making and how those decisions affect their future careers, their families and their long term happiness however was unable to do the same for himself.
Jordan is survived by his father Donald, stepmother Susan, sister Abigail and brother Bryan. He will be laid to rest beside his mother, Janet, at Whiskeytown Cemetery on February 20th. Thereafter, family and friends are invited to gather at the Schepps home at 5 pm.
Promising Jordan that goodness would rise from his death, the family requests that donations be directed to the Jordan Dana Schepps Memorial Fund c/o Good News Rescue Mission New Life Recovery Program, 2842 S. Market Street, Redding, Ca. 96001 or call 530-242-5920 to help save a similar life.
We love you forever. Enjoy the pink, my son.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jordan Schepps
Wade Greaves
February 24, 2009
Jordan and I were lucky to share a fascination of flying growing up. Our fathers were co-owners of a cessna at Benton. I was a few years older than Jordan but when we were into our teens, we began spending a lot of time together. He was the only good friend I ever had growing up who shared in the fun of flying model aircraft. I'll never forget helping Jordan learn to fly his "Avistar 40"! We would fly behind Grant School and were lucky enough to talk my mother into taking us after school some days down to the Anderson model field. I have very fond memories of sharing this time in my youth with Jordan. Aside from model flying, Jordan and I roamed ALL over the hills and trails around our homes on our motorcycles. Jordan on his XR100 and me on my DR100...always joking/debating the benefits of a Honda vs a Suzuki. I regrettably lost touch with Jordan when I left for college. I am glad to have gotten to share with Jordan a happy youth.
I was lucky to have a good friend in Jordan growing up. I am sorry Don. I will always have great memories of my youth thanks to Jordan and the time I was lucky enough to know him.
Linda Gibson
February 22, 2009
I did not know Jordan,but what a great message he leaves behind,My heart goes out to the family and will be in my prayers.
Steven and Kathi Rauch
February 20, 2009
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. May time and love heal your hearts.
Kristen Oertle Shumway
February 17, 2009
Dear Don and Bryan,
My dad sent me the sad news of Jordan and I wanted to send my love and condolences.
Jordan was little when I left for college, but I always remember a curly headed Jordan explaining that he didn't want any milk because it had sugar in it. When we disagreed, he was quick to teach all about lactose. I think he was 4.
Also, I remember the day my dad brought home a huge can of jalepeno peppers. Thinking mistakenly that they were Anaheim peppers, he let Jordan try one. I'll never forget the shock we all got, mostly Jordan, of course. He didn't get it past his lips, but he started jumping around wildly. We were all frantically trying to think of ways to dull the burning! I think he was 9 or 10 then.
I believe that his spirit continues, with all the same wonderful traits of personality, but free of the grasp of physical addiction. He will be free now, and happy too.
Sincerely, Kristen Shumway
Josh Oertle
February 16, 2009
Hi Don, it’s Josh Oertle. That absolutely breaks my heart. I’m so sad I wasn’t there to try to help. I always wondered what he was doing. He was the best friend a kid could want and we always had a lot of fun. He’ll get the help he needed where he is now.
Linda McCoskey
February 16, 2009
To Jordan's father and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. You fought the battle with all that you could. May god bless you and comfort you.
Linda McCoskey
The Cascade School: Support Staff
Jordan, Josh and Cassity Oertle by Olney Creek Redding
February 15, 2009
Josh and Jordan enjoy the Lupins and popsicles
February 15, 2009
Swimming Buddies
Rand Oertle
February 15, 2009
When I met Jordan Schepps he was 2 years old. He and his family, Don, Janet and, Bryan had just moved in next door and we invited them over to say Hi! When they came in the door, Carol was vacuuming the rug. Jordan had never met us, but he insisted on taking the vacuum cleaner apart to see how it worked. Fortunately, we were successful in convincing him not to take it apart but it wasn’t an easy task. Remember he was 2 year-old.
That was our first experience with Jordan. Our son Joshua was also two so their friendship started early. They were best friends and grew up together. When Josh was 14 we moved to Utah and we lost contact.
Jordan had an amazing mind that simply never slowed down. In the eighth grade, he submitted a rocket engine as his science project.
Don and Janet became our beloved neighbors. We were devastated when Janet died and we offer out heart-felt condolences to Don and his family.
Carol Oertle
February 15, 2009
Dear Don, Bryan, Susan and Abigail,
Elizabeth Pulice was kind enough to send us notice of Jordan's death. I am broken hearted for you all. I will always remember Jordan lovingly and was so happy that Joshua had such a great friend. I've often wondered what Jordan was doing and how things were going in his life.
Don, I don't remember ever reading such a loving and honest tribute about the difficulties that must be faced in life. I'm so glad that you shared Jordan's challenge with drugs with all of us. I hope it will help people who have to fight the same fight. I can imagine the struggle that Jordan and your whole family went through in trying to save his precious life. I hope that others who read Jordan's story will decide to commit to changing their habits before it's too late.
Rand and I think of you all with love, and hope that we'll see you some day. Thanks again for the kind and loving 'doctorly' things you did for our family when we were in need. You'll always have a special place in our hearts. Love, Carol Oertle
Jean Wilcox
February 15, 2009
My heart goes out to those left behind. I never met Jordan but was drawn to read about a life ending so soon. As I read, I printed the obituary out and then hung it on my refrigerator where I may leave it for the remainder of my life.
The advice Jordan gave to loved ones was the best I have ever heard or read anywhere.
Having 12 grand children and 5 great grand children, under the age of 26, who are through my house with regularity, I thought Jordan's words could speak to them better than I or anyone else ever could.
I pray for comfort for those of you that Jordan left behind.
Breaking out of the bonds of addiction
February 15, 2009
Jackie Brophy
February 15, 2009
What a beautiful obituary for a beautiful life brought down by an illness that affects too many parents' children. There is a lovely sculpture in Santa Barbara depicting the difficult climb out of the bonds of addiction I will attempt to place in the photo album here. My prayers are for the family and friends of Jordan and that the devil of addiction be bound and cast out of those who are afflicted.
Susanne Lewis
February 15, 2009
I did not know your son, but I thank you for telling his story, that even one more young person might find a brighter path.
Your family is in my thoughts and prapers.
February 15, 2009
Wow, what a great message. So sorry for your loss, God Bless your family. Someone who cares.
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