John Forrest Jordan

HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. / MONONA, Wis. - John Forrest Jordan, age 63, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, at Belmont Nursing Home, Madison. He was born on July 16, 1959, in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Carroll and Beverly (Bryant) Jordan.

John graduated from Granada Hills High School in 1977, followed by Pierce College in Los Angeles. He served in the U.S. Air Force and pursued boxing while stationed in San Bernardino at Norton Air Force Base.

John worked as a "transportation engineer," chauffeuring many music and Hollywood stars. His willingness to drive anybody where they needed to be, was a testament to his giving nature and warm-hearted spirit. John was truly larger than life, and he touched many lives with his witty, clever and engaging personality.

His smile and positivity lit up every room he was in, and he enjoyed entertaining people with stories, anecdotes, conspiracy theories and favorite movie quotes. He was quick to laugh, with a wicked sense of humor, and what seemed like an encyclopedic memory for movie quotes and historical facts.  Johnny was also known for bestowing clever nicknames upon meeting new people, and for a deep and abiding fear of the spiders living in his sister's basement. His favorite song by Tom Petty was an anthem for the way he navigated life with the classic, “Free Fallin.” Remember him this way whenever that tune comes along and sing along in his honor.

Johnny enjoyed riding his bike on the boardwalk of Hermosa Beach, scuba diving, body surfing, rehabilitating squirrels, studying military history, and the company of his good friends in Los Angeles. He loved spending time at the beach getting a tan, catching the waves, playing volleyball, grabbing a cold one at "Mermaids" and "Sharkeys," and cheering on the LA Dodgers any chance he could.

He enjoyed his visits to see his family in Wisconsin and England. He loved spending time with his siblings and friends during his early childhood in Northridge, Calif. His loved ones will always remember his zest for life and that it was always an adventure with him around. His infectious smile will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

John is survived by his sister, Laurie (Ron Bailey) Jordan and their children, Patrick Bailey, Jena Eiden (Matt Schneider) and Robert (Samantha) Bailey; brother, James Carroll (Jan Hartley) Jordan and their children, Lacey (Ben) Wolfe, Charlie (Sophie) Jordan and Buck (Kim) Jordan; and great-nephews, Fox Louis Eiden-Schneider, Buzz Jordan and Bowie Jordan. He will also be missed by his canine companions, Squeaky and George. He was preceded in death by parents, Beverly Jo Bryant and Carroll Bernard Jordan.

Private service will be held. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420