Benjamin Franklin Jordan, Sr. was born to the union of Ezra and Eva Mae Jordan, May 17, 1943 in Butler, Georgia.  At an early age, his family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio where he matriculated through Taft High School.   Benjamin joined the United States Armed Forces in 1960.   After an Honorable Discharge, in 1963 he returned to obtain his high school diploma.

After working as a computer programmer, Benjamin joined the Cincinnati Fire Department August 26, 1973.   In his twenty-four-year career with the Cincinnati Fire Department, he served on Engine 9, Engine 23, Ladder 7, and finally retiring from Engine 38, on May 12, 1997.  As a Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) he trained many under his tutelage.  He was a founding member of the "WatchMen," and its first President.  Watchmen later became the Cincinnati African-American Firefighters Association (CAFA).

Upon retiring from the Fire Department, Benjamin went on to work as a Certified CPR and CDL Trainer for Peterman Bus Company, and RideRite until 2018.

Benjamin was not only a beloved father to his sons Benjamin F. Jordan, Jr. (deceased), Kevin Michael Jordan, and David Shawn Jordan (deceased) but a father figure to many in the community at large.  Mr. Jordan gave back serving as Commissioner of Knothole District 4 baseball.  His coaching skills produced many great athletes, including Bam Frazier, Drew Denson and David Justice just to name a few.

Benjamin reaffirmed his Christian faith, after being invited to church by fellow fire-fighter, Deacon Christopher O. White.  He united with the New Mission Missionary Baptist Church in Madisonville.  A faithful member, he was inspired by the Words and teaching from his Pastor, Rev. Tracy Ventus.  He also sang in the Men's Chorus.

To all whom knew Mr. Jordan, Papa J, Uncle Ben, or "Jammer," he was the life of the party.  His charm and smile made everyone who came in his presence always feel welcomed.

Benjamin departed this life after a brief illness on May 26, 2019, just one month after his oldest grandson returned home to his hometown after he was drafted to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Benjamin was preceeded in death by his parents, and two sons (Benjamin Jr. and David).

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of twenty-nine years, Victoria Byndon Jordan, his son, Kevin Michael Jordan (Jacquie), daughter in love, Terri Jordan, step-son, Jeff Byndon, four grandsons, Michael Jordan, Christan Cunningham, Kevin Jordan, Kyle Jordan, and two granddaughters, Kayla Jordan, and Aaliyah Jordan, and a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation is from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, on  Thursday, June 6, 2019, at the Higher Ground Ministries, 1391 E. Crescentville Road, Cincinnati  (45246).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 7:00 pm. Pastor Earl D. Finney, Officiating.  Rev. Tracy E. Ventus, Pastor and Eulogist.

Interment 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 7, 2019, at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

To share a memory of Benjamin or leave a special message for the Jordan family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  is serving the  Jordan family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.