Jeffrey Flynn Jordan

1943 - 2022

Jeffrey Flynn Jordan

On October 2, 2022 we said goodbye to our beloved Jeff Jordan, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.

Jeffrey Flynn Jordan was born in San Antonio, TX on November 23, 1943, to Leroy Marion and Betty Flynn Jordan. Beginning with grade school, Jeff spent his early years in Bristow, OK, a town for which he held affection his entire life. While at Bristow High, Jeff excelled academically, graduating as the class salutatorian in 1961, while also serving as class president during his sophomore and senior years and involved with both the Boy Scouts and Methodist Youth Fellowship throughout. Athletically, Jeff was most accomplished on the football field, being named an all-state quarterback and a Prep All-American, but also played varsity basketball and golf.

Jeff received a full football scholarship to the University of Tulsa, where he played both offense and defense, earning accolades on both sides of the ball. Many of his school records stand today, including most interception return yards in a single game and career, and longest interception return for a touchdown. Jeff was elected to the Missouri Valley Conference's all-conference team twice and went on to be named MVP of the 1964 Hula Bowl. Off the field Jeff remained committed to his studies - ultimately becoming a Rhodes Scholarship finalist – graduating with a degree in industrial psychology.

Jeff was a lifelong supporter of the University, serving twice as the president of its alumni association, and constantly adorned in blue and gold. He was inducted into the TU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.

The Minnesota Vikings drafted Jeff in 1965 and he went on to play three seasons for the team as a free safety. It was in Minnesota where Jeff acquired the nickname "The Blade", likening his tall, thin stature to a blade of grass. Upon his exit from the NFL, Jeff moved back to Tulsa and began his career with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith. He was with the firm for 50 years prior to retiring in 2018. Jeff was the Resident Manager of the South Tulsa office for 20 years and a perennial member of the Chairman's club. He mentored and had a huge impact on dozens of advisors through the years and cherished his relationships with his many long-term clients and financial advisory team members.

Above all, Jeff was deeply committed to his family, his friendships, and his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Jeff loved to travel with his wife and sons, who will forever carry memories of time spent with Jeff in his favorite places, particularly the Big Island of Hawaii, San Diego, Pebble Beach, and, of course, Paris (Las Vegas). Jeff had a special bond with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Bump". They will remember him for his sweetness, generosity, and creativity, particularly related to impromptu bedtime stories conjured up about the protagonist "Fargo Nelson", the famous frog detective.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara; sister, Susan Vaughn; sister, Becky Schwarz and her husband Steve; brother, Jerry Sanders and his wife Kathy; brother, Jack Sanders; son, David Jordan and his wife Melissa; son, Jeremy Jordan and his wife Carla; grandchildren, Andrew, Juliana, and Annelise Jordan; aunt, Carolyn Phillips; cousins, Jonathan Jordan and Kimberly Mayfield; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm on Monday, October 10, 2022, at Fitzgerald Southwood, 3612 E. 91st St., Tulsa, OK 74137, followed by a committal at 2:00 pm at Magnolia Cemetery in Bristow, OK.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the University of Tulsa for the Jeffrey F. Jordan Scholarship Fund: 800 S. Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104 fitzgeraldfuneralservice.com