John "Jay" Jordan

John James “Jay” Jordan, 90, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Jay was born June 19, 1936, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late John W. and Louise (French) Jordan. Jay attended the University of Maine where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. While Jay was at university, he was a cadet in the Army ROTC program. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned at Ft. Bliss Texas.

Jay’s career began as a Civil Engineer under the United States Department of the Interior serving in the Bureau of Public Roads. He also was a member and instructor for the American Traffic Safety Services. He was a life member of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers. Jay had a passion for history and fueled that passion for ten years as an Education Interpreter at the Missouri State Capitol passing on his knowledge to children and visitors from all over the world.

On November 29, 1968, Jay married Kathy McConnell in Durant, OK. They were married 31 years before Kathy passed away on May 12, 2000. On April 23, 2005, Jay married Carolyn Rost in Jefferson City, MO.

Active members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, they helped deliver Thanksgiving meals and served as lectors. Jay was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. He was one of the original and lifelong volunteers of the Samaritan Center. He was a member of Breakfast Rotary and named the Rotarian of the Year. And while his hard work and generous spirit certainly earned him the honor, anyone who knew Jay knows his endless supply of jokes, stories, and ability to keep a room laughing probably helped his cause.

Jay loved U.S. and international travel, golf, poker club, daily crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. Jay knew how to enjoy life, and some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by family and friends cheering on the teams he loved. Baseball held a special place in his heart, particularly the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets, but few things could match his passion for Mizzou football. Game days meant more than simply watching football. They meant tailgating, gathering together, telling stories, laughing, and, of course, firing up the grill with his son, Jason. In truth, Jay rarely needed much of an excuse to cook. For him, food was one of the ways he showed people he cared. He found genuine joy in feeding others and making them happy, and he understood hospitality in the best possible way: good food was important, but the laughter, conversation, and memories shared around it were what truly mattered. If people left Jay’s table with full stomachs, smiles on their faces, and a good story to tell, then he considered it time well spent.

Survivors include his wife; Carolyn of Jefferson City; four children, Laura Jordan of Peoria, IL, Tina (Doug) Shoemaker of Kansas City, MO, Jacob (Christa) Rost of Denver, CO, Connie (Terry) Bruns of Jefferson City; nine grandchildren, Katelyn (Dustin) Prather, Mallorie (Jesse) Lee-Brockhoff, Jack (fiancé-McKenna King) Hoey, Elise Shoemaker, Levi (Tammy) Caffes, Alex Rost, Henry Rost, Regan Bruns, and Molly Bruns; four great grandchildren, Wyatt, Annabelle, Abbygail and Ava; brother, Tom (Charles McAlpine) Jordan of Durango, CO; sister-in-law, Rosemary (Mark) Cole of Buckeye, AZ; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy, son, Jason, and his sister, Betty and her husband, Wendell Manning.

Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Jefferson City, MO. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Reverend Matthew Flatley officiating. Graveside service will immediately follow in Resurrection Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials may be directed to the Immaculate Conception Capital Campaign fund or the Samaritan Center.

Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City is assisting our family with arrangements. trimblefunerals.com

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