Obituary of Bill Jordan

   We said goodbye to William D. Jordan on September 04, 2023. “Bill” was born December 11, 1932 to Herman and Olive “Dena” (Carter) Jordan in Harper, Oregon. He grew up on the family ranch in Westfall, Oregon, where he learned many skills about cattle ranching and farming, which he would put to good use over the course of his life. After meeting at a school dance and falling in love, Bill married Nancy Dunlap on June 11, 1951. They had three children: Deana, William C, and Dallas. Bill graduated from Harper High School, after which he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Crew Leader, working on B-52 bombers during the Korean War. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon discharge from the Air Force, Bill and the family moved to Emmett, Idaho where he worked on the construction crew at Boise Cascade Mill. He then returned with his family to Westfall, where he worked a few years before deciding to complete a Heavy Equipment Operator/Diesel Mechanics program in Weiser, Idaho. However, he found he had a passion for law enforcement. An opportunity became available as a Juvenile Probation Officer with Malheur County, Oregon, which changed the trajectory of his vocational pursuits. He went on to attend Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon, and worked there around his classes as a Janitor while getting his degree in Law Enforcement. The Payette Police Department subsequently hired him as a Police Officer. After working several years as a Police Officer, he was offered a position as Sheriff's Deputy: he went on to rise through the ranks, and became the Chief Deputy for Payette County, Idaho. Bill's career really began when he was appointed by Governor John Evans to a Magistrate Judge position in Payette, Idaho. In addition to Payette, he also served on the bench in Canyon, Adams and Washington Counties. Judge Jordan was known for his thoughtful review of cases and running a strict courtroom. He was tough on those who came before him with DUI charges. Judge Jordan was the first Judge in the state to start a community service/work release program for county prisoners, involving roadside cleanup and kitchen/janitorial work at the Payette Senior Citizen's Center. This community service program provided those in the court system the opportunity to “get out and do good things”, rather than sit in a cell. At the time he retired from the bench, he was one of the last non-attorney magistrate judges in Idaho. He was very proud of his work and had many positive outcomes. He provided a lifetime of public service to his community. Bill loved hunting and fishing, and enjoyed many trips to the back country where he wrangled pack horses and mules. Over the years his kids and friends shared good times together in search of deer and the elusive wapiti. Unequivocally, his best hunt was when he successfully harvested a trophy mule deer that was recorded by Idaho Fish and Game, with a Boone and Crocket score of 233-4/8. Upon returning to his cabin from the hunt, Bill's dad had advised that he 'should hold on to those antlers because you're not gonna find a lot more like him'. He hadn't planned on keeping the antlers until his dad mentioned it. He retired to the family property at Bear, Idaho, where he enjoyed the beauty and serenity of the mountains. Always using his talents, he kept busy working on family construction projects, logging, running a small mill, and raising a few head of cattle. He loved geology and history. He liked fixing what had broken, as he was a very good “Jack of All Trades” who would help out when those around him needed it. Bill moved back to Fruitland, Idaho for a period of time, where he enjoyed spending time with Nancy, taking drives in the country and going out to eat. He and Nancy moved to Edgewood Spring Creek Assisted Care in Fruitland, Idaho, where he honed his drawing and painting skills. He resided at Edgewood until his passing. He was very complimentary of all of the staff at Edgewood and appreciated their assistance. Dr. Brett Johnson at St. Luke's also provided him with greatly appreciated help. Bill is survived by Nancy Jordan, his children Deana (Dave) Hockman, Bill (Wendy) Jordan, and Dallas Jordan, as well as his brother Frank Jordan, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. He loved his family very much, and he will be greatly missed.