James Don Jordan

Jim D. Jordan, 76, passed away peacefully Nov. 5th, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving wife. He was born December 1, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of James P. and Loucylle M. Jordan. Jim spent the first 15 years of his life in Oklahoma, and his family made their way to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1960. Jim graduated from Manzano High School, Class of 64'. While attending Manzano, he met his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Mary Ann Daum. Jim & Mary Ann married in the summer of 1965. In the beginning of their marriage, Jim was in the grocery industry, where he worked for Continental Market & Stater Bros. between 1966-1971, during this time Jim & Mary Ann moved around a few various places in California, along with their son Jimmy & Daughter Chontelle, such as; Armona, Fresno, San Bernadino and then finally made their way to a small town called Tulare in 1971, where Jim worked for Alpha Beta Grocery from 1971-1984. While Jim loved his career, he also loved being an entrepreneur always finding new ventures and side jobs after work or on his days off which included; Chimney Sweeping, Raising Birds, Property Management, Raising Calves, Gold Mining, Making Jewelry and being the first person to bring and sell Turquoise to the Valley. In 1984, Jim decided to begin a new adventure and got into the Glass Industry. Jim & his son Jimmy took ownership of Tulare Glass in 1984. Tulare Glass has and continues to serve the Central Valley and beyond for the last 38 years. Jim loved serving the day-to-day customers and having friends stop in daily for the latest shop talk, where a quick visit would turn into hours of conversations. Since being in the heart of town, Jim considered himself "Mayor of K St." and will be missed at his weekly Saturday morning meetings with the "K St. Advisory Board." Throughout his life, Jim was a collector of many things. One of his most impressive collections was his Classic Cars. Jim spent many years attending car shows all over the state, always bringing home a trophy. When Jim was not at the glass shop you could find him at the Casino playing his favorite Keno machine, cruising in one of his many cars or vacationing at his home in Grover Beach. Jim is preceded in death by his parents James & Loucylle Jordan. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Jordan; Son Jimmy (Kelly) Jordan; Daughter Chontelle (Steve) Adney; Granddaughter Kirby (Johnny) Dykstra; Granddaughter Taylor (Chance) Gusbeth; Great-Grandchildren John Rhyan, James, Eli & Oakley; Sister Ann (Scotty) Osborne; Sister Nancy (Larry) Dill; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Private services will be held, and a Celebration of Life will follow at the beginning of next year. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite local charity, school or program. Jim was a generous man and some of his favorites were the CHP explorers, Tulare City Schools, FFA, Salvation Army and any person that went to him in need. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

James Don Jordan

December 1, 1945 - November 5, 2022