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Isamu JORDAN Obituary

JORDAN, Isamu Lee (Age 37) Isamu "Som" Jordan had a profound impact on Spokane and on those who loved him during his too-short life, which ended when he passed away at his home on September 5, 2013. Born in Spokane, September 28, 1975, Som graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1993. He was one of the first writers for The Spokesman-Review's Our Generation page, bringing voice to the issues and lives of Spokane teenagers. He attended Washington State University and returned to The Spokesman-Review, eventually landing his dream job as a music writer. A gifted musician, Som played with the band The Dead Casuals and performed as a rapper before helping to found the hip-hop orchestra, Flying Spiders. After leaving The Spokesman-Review in 2008, he continued writing and performing as a poet and rapper. He was a unique civic leader who inspired young people and others, speaking in schools and at community events. He later taught as an adjunct at Whitworth University and worked as a DJ. He was known for his electric smile, for his Flash sweatshirt and for his love of comic books, Magic cards and Yu Yu Hakusho. He was hailed for the generosity with which he treated other musicians and fans. As a songwriter, he challenged Spokane to look hard at itself, with searing social commentary served up with equal doses of love and rhyme. Revered and respected throughout Spokane, Som saw music as a way to bring people together. His great passion in life was his family and he will be deeply missed by his wife of twelve years, Rachel, and their beloved sons, Caleb and Osiah, who loved watching late-night movies and playing games with their dad. Som was preceded in death by his mother, Tangi, and his father-in-law Rick Shulman. In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by the grandmother who raised him, Carrie Jordan, by numerous Jordan aunts, uncles and a vast extended family; by his mother-in-law Yvonne Shulman and the whole Shulman family, by his father, Charles Knight, and by a list of friends too long to name. In lieu of flowers, an education fund for Rachel and Som's sons has been established at Washington Trust Bank, accessed through www.fundrazr.com (search Isamu Jordan). A public service and celebration of his life will be held Sunday, September 15, at 1:00 p.m., at The Bing Crosby Theater. As Som wrote in one song, "I rest peacefully/and my whole family's proud of me." Rest now, Som.

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

Published by Spokesman-Review on Sep. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Isamu JORDAN

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Barbaara Baldwin

September 2, 2024

They had a Rocket Concert last night, and added a fundraiser for the Bluff, which will have wildfire protection for our beloved Rocket,eventually. It's gotten darker, as summer concerts end in Dark-and they've lit up the whole "Flying Spiders" painted wall for YOU-- and I thought:"I'll bet some people here, don't know who the art is for." But I did. We had conversations about some of the performers--( never unkind,) but you were hilarious, and The Rocket was never the same without you. So glad Your Memorial Area is now lit up--and? We even noticed last night-- a few "Stars" in the sky t-shirts of you--still available.Thanks for all the work, getting musicians recognized. You are missed Still, in 2024! BB

Brian Lowry

September 2, 2023

Som I miss you and the light you shared with everyone.

Tami Edmond

February 9, 2022

Isamu,
I think of you and Tangi often , you both are always loved, forever more.

catrina mantz

October 6, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Leann Dineen

October 6, 2013

Caleb and Si, your dad first entered my world when he performed two of his poems at an MLK Con a decade ago -in Saxonland no less. As an English teacher there I was quite appreciative of not only his performance but also his profound thoughts. One of his poems stays with me, with the refrain of 'back to the subject.' Over the years I paid attention when your dad was writing or working to promote music in Spokane. He will always be in my heart, one of Spokane's shining stars. I am so sad his star is now in the heavens instead of with us. I know he'll always be close to you, there to walk through life with you.
God bless,

Hero to many, Angel to me...

Princess Stardusty

October 3, 2013

...so much to say - but mostly, thank you. you gave me much, feeling okay about my music and just about me. your ideals, words are gifts are forever blessings. <3 R.I.P. Som.

Tami Edmond

September 28, 2013

Happy Birthday Isamu !! Love Aunt Tami

Kim W

September 27, 2013

We will never forget your smile and thoughtful nature, and love for your family. Rest in peace Som.

Tami Edmond

September 18, 2013

I want to thank Rachel , Ann. & Jess and all of Isamu 's dear friends and everyone that cared about him . Thank you all for the love you have for Isamu..

September 16, 2013

Som I have known you for a long time, you are a light and inspiration to all that knew you... May you R.I.P, You will be missed.

Your friend always: Tomika Smith(aka. Meme)

Aleisha Majewski

September 14, 2013

Som, that bright contagious smile, people can't help but smile at you back, will be missed. I'm sitting here writing and deleting not knowing the right words. It's just so so sad. I'm thanking God I was blessed with having you as a friend. Rest in peace sweet sweet "Sommers"
Aleisha Majewski

Laurel Henderson

September 14, 2013

I never knew you Som, but many of my friends did. I haven't lived in Spokane for 18 years, but I know who you are, and used to read your Our Generation articles when I was teen. Reading your obituary, I learned we were born on the exact same day here in Spokane. Godspeed to you.

Carole Rendall

September 14, 2013

I did not have the great honor of knowing you, Som, and very much wish I had. A bright light has been extinguished in the lives of those who loved you so much, and my heart goes out to all of them. What a beautiful legacy of love you have left them, though, and I hope that in time, when their grief at your loss subsides, they will be left with the hope and comfort you brought to so many others.

September 13, 2013

Som, A great guy with a great smile and more talent than most of us could not even begin to imagine. RIP gentle soul. cr

Maurice "Moe" Knight

September 12, 2013

I am so proud to say that even though I am your big brother I was the one that looked up to you. I can never say enough how proud I have been of you. Thank you little brother for being you..... Love ya

Dennis Mitchell

September 11, 2013

When I think of Som I think of Michael Jackson's "Gone Too Soon!" He had a powerful impact on those whom he reached out and touched, brought them joy and helped them to bring out their very best and the brotha could tell incredible stories through his music magic. May you find peace Som! Prayers to the fam during this challenging and difficult time, I pray that God brings you comfort during your grief and happy memories during your pain and sorrow.

Buzzie Welch

September 11, 2013

I was one of Som's English teachers at Lewis & Clark. I enjoyed his independent thinking which sometimes differed from mine, but we always respected each other's opinions. After he graduated, I followed his career at the Review, reading his articles. He was a student that a teacher wouldn't forget. My condolences to the family.

Royce Covington

September 11, 2013

Som,

May your spirit soar and your soul rest in peace...

Richard Armentino

September 9, 2013

Truley a spokane icon.. you will always be missed som.

Tami Edmond

September 9, 2013

Life as I know it never ends, just transforms from one generation to the next, may you know in your entire spirit and soul, you are loved always. Rest in peace Isamu. Aunt Tami

Jason Brinkman

September 9, 2013

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

The Godsil Family

September 9, 2013

Som, You will always remain in our hearts & minds! RIP, my friend.

Your words of inspiration, I will never forget them...

Princess Stardusty

September 9, 2013

... well, I never got to meet you in person, but we shared a nice FB friendship. You were one of the first musicians in the area to friend me and I treasured that. Mostly, the gift of your words to me when we first met, you encouraged me, you inspired me, you complimented me and gave me hope, you you were real and genuine and I appreciate that more than ever. A blessing Som, a treasure, ...and I will never forget. We will meet again for real and sing with an Angelic Choir, together. RIP dear kind Isamu.

Alvin Pitmon

September 9, 2013

All of your pain is now gone, Som. We, your family and friends will miss you dearly. Whether you knew it or not, you impacted in some profound way everyone who had the opportunity and fortune to meet you! I dedicate the song, "Faded Rose" sang by Pastor Shirley Caesar, my favorite gospel artist to you and your memory. Rest in peace, brother.

jodi strenge

September 9, 2013

Som~Your words of wisdom will truly carry on through each and every person you have spoken to and smiled at R.I.P now our friend.

B.E. Baldwin

September 8, 2013

Som: Thanks for the joy and laughter and patience you showed, arranging all the wonderful musical acts at our dear Rocket Market. You are dearly missed.Blessings.

Brian Lowry

September 8, 2013

Som,

I pray now that you are at ease and that you are at the feet of Jesus looking down upon your sons and wife. I hope that your wisdom that stated in East Spokane will proceed to the rest of the world. I am thankful enough to call you friend and to have watch what a man you became. You were such a blessing to me and your music spoke volumes now you can flow the angles and spin those golden records in the sky. PEACE.

September 8, 2013

R.I.P SOM....Forever in our hearts....

Sharon Smith

September 8, 2013

What I remember was this funny young man with dreads and glasses. He made my daughter laugh and think. His words were thought out, not just said for whim. His wisdom was far greater than most of us would imagine. May he rest in the arms of a loving God and may we meet again. He will not only be missed, but remembered.

Dwight Emerson

September 8, 2013

You have "moved the needle" ie..made a difference. I'm so grateful to have met you.

April Taylor

September 8, 2013

Thank you for making Spokane a better place.

Di Barker

September 8, 2013

Miss you.?

September 8, 2013

Sound like a great person God will take care of your family

Heather Loudon

September 8, 2013

Isamu,

You came to my grade school years ago.. and spoke about your passion for music, and the music industry... and talked about how writing took you placed..

I never knew you personally, but you will be missed by Spokane...

Rest in peace :)

Tom Sahlberg

September 8, 2013

Som was a special mentor who taught us love in action. His light will continue to shine as we take up his torch. My deepest condolences to family and friends.

Carmelita "Boo" Brown

September 8, 2013

Som, It is an extreme pleasure having you as part of my life. I will always smile when I see your smile. Laugh when I think of your humor. Love with all my might when I think of your big heart. So Som, Dance, sing, write music, and DJ because you my friend is where the party is at. With Eternal Love Always

Scarlett Hepworth

September 8, 2013

Thank you, Isamu, for writing such wonderful things about my son. His career in music was, to a great extent, a result of your glowing reviews of his work. You were a true champion of many budding artists. God speed.

sam parmley

September 8, 2013

You are my best friend. I love you Som. I am changed forever. You will always live on as a huge part of me. You were the best man ive ever known. Words cannot express how you impacted my life. Rest now Som, you were the hardest worker ive ever known. I wish i could have done something to prevent this. I love you always and forever. Everything you have taught me will be forever cherrished.

Amanda

September 8, 2013

You will always have a special place in my heart Som. Make beautiful music with your angels now ...Rest in peace

Inga Laurent

September 8, 2013

Dear Som,

In the fight of good and evil, we have certainly lost a good one. Your light, so bright, so bright. I am sorry I never told you how utterly brilliant that I thought you are. Shine on, Som.

AnneMarie Lewis

September 8, 2013

You were always a light here! Som, you surely will be missed!!

Judy Allen

September 8, 2013

Som, will be so missed. Rest in peace!!!

Ciara May

September 8, 2013

I am saddened by your loss. Your intelligence, soft spoken nature and charisma will never be forgotten and truly missed. Rest in Love

jewel paster

September 8, 2013

Me and my sister LaShonda remember you fron high school days ..even though we did not go to the same school you seemed to always come visit FerrisH.S ..i always knew you would be somerhing GREAT you just carried yourself in a difftent light..u always spoke to everyone and always gave us that SMILE!!! This is what we will remember..may ypur children carry your light and finish this race for you.godbless.

Powell

September 8, 2013

Rest easy Som

Sheketa Smith

September 8, 2013

Som I am going to miss you so much. I'm glad that I was able to attend some of your events and listening to you dj. It was 10yrs ago when I left Spokane and moved to Georgia. However, when I came back early this year and I was leaving work one day and I heard this voice say Sheketa coming from inside this bar called Blue Sparks. I turned around to see who it was and it was Som smiling from ear to ear. Som gave me this big hug and said girl where have you been? From that point I made and effort to come see him dj at that spot. I am grateful that I had a chance to see him again and share his love for music. You're going to be truly miss Isamu Jordan now you can play that music in heaven and make them all smile and happy like you did for everyone her in Spokane. This is not a goodbye it's I'll see you later!

September 8, 2013

You were an inspiration to many youth, like your father. May you rest in peace, Som. J. Smith

Khalelah Boone

September 8, 2013

You touched my life and many others. God bless you and your beautiful family. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

T K

September 8, 2013

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
RIP Som

Justin Powell

September 8, 2013

I have so many memories that involve you, but so little words I can come up with as disbelief still fills my head. You will truly be missed, and never forgotten. Rest easy Som 1 love ya boy/family, Nappy Brown.

Jenny S.

September 8, 2013

Deeply missed. Rest in peace

H W

September 8, 2013

I miss you Som and I will always remember the wonderful friendship we had. Love you always!!

Iehsa Link

September 8, 2013

I loved going to Grama Carries and seeing your smiling face. You always knew what to say and how to act to make me feel like a young adult and not a little kid even tho i was just that taking up room in the kitchen. I remember the first thing i would look for in the fridge was your chocolate pie. You helped me write a paper in school once and i was stuck on being a writer for years after that. Thank you for being apart of my life and sharing with me those memories that ill never forget. I love You cousin Som!

Tim and Tracy Horn

September 8, 2013

We love you Som. You will never be forgotten. You made a big impact on a lot of people. I remember when we were little, and your smile was just as addicting as your mothers was. Your in good hands now, there is no more hurt and pain. Your big cuz and family.

Angela Scott

September 8, 2013

His smile, goofy innocent nature will be missed. Som changed my life forever at the age of 14. Som,thank you for teaching me to love all of me! You empowered me with such confidence that I know instill in my own children. ~ love you, Angela

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