Jeffrey James "Jeff" Jordan

Jeffrey James “Jeff” Jordan, age 66, of Newark, DE, passed away surrounded by his wife and son on Friday, February 14, 2025. Born on January 17, 1959, in Wichita, KS, he was the third son of the late Athen and Fay Jordan. After graduating from Hardin Simmons in 1981, Jeff completed his degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and then obtained his PhD in 1989 from Purdue University. He taught for one year at Notre Dame University as a visiting professor and then in 1991 accepted a position at the University of Delaware in the Department of Philosophy. During his tenure with Delaware, Jeff was awarded the “Excellence in Teaching Award” in 1999. He also served many years in multiple capacities in the University Faculty Senate; he was President of this organization from 2011-2012. Jeff loved writing and his works included: editing three anthologies, co-editing a fourth, as well as authoring more than 80 articles, book chapters and reviews. His book, Pascal’s Wager: Pragmatic Arguments and Belief in God was published by Oxford University Press in 2006. Jeff enjoyed teaching and loved his students. He taught twelve winter session study abroad courses in Italy. Jeff enjoyed debating with colleagues and students. In his younger days, he played basketball, in later years, he was an avid racquetball player and competed in many 1st state racquetball tournaments. When the courts closed during COVID, Jeff started playing pickleball. He was a fierce competitor on the court and was hardest on himself when he missed a shot. However, his greatest love was for his family, especially his wife and son. Many vacations and trips were spent with his wife, son and dogs, hiking, exploring historical sites and traveling both in the US and abroad. In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his brother, Brad Jordan (Shannon). He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Julia (Tegarden) Jordan; son, Jacob Jordan (currently stationed in Germany serving as a 1st Lt in the U.S. Army); brother, Don (Judy); nephew, Matt (Carrie); niece, Amanda (Ben); as well as nieces by marriage and great-nieces and nephews. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A celebration of his life will begin at 11 am on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 15 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring his remarkable life. Any family members or friends who are unable to attend the service for Jeff, may live stream the service by clicking here. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Battlefield Trust, P.O. Box 1751, Merrifield, VA 22116-1751 or online by clicking here; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online by clicking here.

Jeffrey James "Jeff" Jordan

January 17, 1959 - February 14, 2025