James Frederick Jordan

James Frederick Jordan, the youngest of five children born to Iris and Leslie Stanton Jordan, James Frederick Jordan entered this world April 3, 1927. Rarely going by his first name, he was nicknamed Bud by his pals and family. Bud grew up on a farm in Drew County, learning first-hand about milking the cow before breakfast, splitting wood for the fireplace, and harnessing the mule to grind ribbon cane before catching the morning school bus. His Uncle Jack took him on his first quail hunt while he was still too young to carry a gun. His uncle told him to watch where the birds flew after each covey rise. At day's end, Bud was given half of the birds killed. At age 5 he entered the second half of the first grade and was graduated to the second grade. He attributed this to his sisters teaching him reading and writing. In the summertime, a neighbor's pond with a diving board afforded Bud and his friends afternoon relief from chores, and a suntan from head to toe. At Drew Central High School Bud's 6'4" frame and athleticism enabled him to excel in basketball, that was played either in the Armory or on an outside concrete court. Bud was drafted into the Marines as World War II was nearing its end. Returning to his father's farm, he was asked if he wanted to farm for a living. Bud told his father yes, if he'd buy a tractor. With that tractor, their first crop of cotton almost doubled what had been raised the previous year plowed with a mule. He married Margaret Fern Burton in October 1949. Three children, Fred, Judy, and Mike were born between 1950 and 1955. In 1952, after talking with his brother-in-law, James went to work for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and stayed until retiring in the mid 90's. James loved growing delicious tomatoes in his garden, hunting, and fishing. Not many people enjoyed quail hunting more than him. He devoted a week of vacation time every year to quail hunting. When quail season ended, it was time to begin getting ready for fishing season; especially largemouth bass. James was a member of First Baptist Church Camden, and was a past president of the Camden Jaycees, raising money for local civic causes. He's survived by his three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Visitation on Thursday night from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., with funeral services Friday, 10 a.m. at Proctor Funeral Home. To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.