Thomas Mendall Jordan

October 20, 1970 - January 09, 2019

Obituary For Thomas Mendall Jordan

Thomas "Tom" Mendall Jordan, 48, died on January 9, 2019. Loved by his family and countless friends, Tom will be remembered for his warmth, ready smile, irreverent sense of humor, and ability to tell a good story. Tom was attentive to the smallest details and could recall them decades later, demonstrating his passion for living fully in the present moment.

Tom was endlessly curious about all subjects and experiences. He enjoyed political satire and arguing a point, he was enthusiastic about all music from reggae to jazz, and he had a great appreciation for comedians like Dave Attell and Dave Chappelle. He loved going to the beach, surfing, riding his bike, or taking a random weekend to go camping. Because of his unique experiences, he identified with outsiders and was generous and compassionate toward those who were struggling in one way or another. He was determined not to live life in a hurry, and he would take the time to talk to people with a genuine interest in how they were doing.

A 1989 graduate of Athens Drive High School, in Raleigh, Tom attended UNC-Greensboro as a political science major. More recently, he owned and directed Roots, his landscaping business, in Raleigh.

Tom is survived by his partner, Nina Karras; her children Hannah, Jake, Alexa and Hunter, and their dog, Nikki; his mother, Suzanne Britt; his sister, Carrie Freeman and her husband, Gus Grubba, and their children. He is preceded in death by his father, Mendall Jordan, M.D.

A funeral service is scheduled at 3:00 p.m. January 19, 2019, at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks, Raleigh, NC 27615, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom's life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Habitat for Humanity of Wake County at https://www.habitatwake.org/donate. Condolences:RFHR.com

Services

19 Jan

Celebration of Life Service

03:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Valerie Ownley

I am sadden to hear of Toms passing. Prayers sent to his family and friends .
September 01, 2020

Stratford Donnell

Tom and I were best friends for all of our younger years through school. Will certainly miss the boy. We had the best circle of friends and always had the Best times. Hed give you a reason to peg the fun meter! Beach days and snow days we did it all together. Miss you Tom!
September 01, 2020

melissa dombalis

My family is is so very sad to hear this news. Tom spent many days at our house and we always enjoyed his humor and fun spirit . Well miss you Tom. :heart:
September 01, 2020

Regina Caldwell

Im so saddened to hear of Toms passing. I have fond memories with Tom at Martin Middle and Athens. He always had a warm smile and great sense of humor. He loved everyone and was therefore loved by everyone. Im so glad I saw him at the Athens homecoming 89 football game a few years ago. He was a special part of the class of 89. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Rest In Peace Tom.
September 01, 2020

Carrie Freeman

Lauren, thank you for sharing your stories about Tom. Tom always wanted to do the right thing, and I'm glad he was there for you at the right time and place when it mattered most. Carrie
September 01, 2020

Tim Craig

So sad. He will be missed forever just like Lee Bunn and Heather Decatur.
September 01, 2020

alan myers

Tom helped me last year when I was out of work. He had a big heart.
September 01, 2020

Alexandra Jaeger Phillips

I am so sorry to hear about Tom. We had so many fun times together.....Sr. Prom to being college roommates. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family.
September 01, 2020

Eric Simon

I have known Tom and the Ridge Rd crew for 30 plus years. Tom helped me this past year with lawn maintenance around my house and i helped him with his hardwood floors in his new beautiful home. I can say no matter what was going on in his life he was with the Women of his deams, true love and you new this when you saw them together or ust heard him talking to her on the phone. I could go on and on about Tom. He was such a character and i have a lifetime of experiences with him. Someone else mentioned Lake Anne and yes those were great times. When we all made it to Broughton from different middle schools is where my friendship took off with him. Sledding in the winter if we had snow down churchhill.
September 01, 2020

Doug Sturdivant

Tom was in my sixth period Senior English class during my first year of teaching at Athens Drive High. He was always a bright spot in my day and could always make me laugh. I ran into him a few times over the years and we would reminisce about the class of 89. Tom, I cant believe you are gone. God bless you, buddy. Thanks for being you.
September 01, 2020

Hanna Chio

I was one of Tom's housemates back in early 2000. I always enjoyed his wicked sense of humor.
September 01, 2020

Shelbra Bullock

Im deeply saddened by Toms passing. We were high school classmates. He was always so cheerful and kept you laughing. It was so good to see him at our most recent class reunion . . . and that smile! I will forever cherish our friendship. ADHS c/o 89
September 01, 2020

Trent Atkins

Tom and I went to our first concert together in 1986. It was RUSH in Greensboro. He was funny, witty and he was my friend. I hadnt seen him in a few years. I will miss him. RIP Tom. We had a blast at the first Lake Anne party!
September 01, 2020

Brandi Hughes Dubon

Im just hearing about Toms passing tonight and Im truly heartbroken. I met Tom in Greensboro probably 25 years ago, always crossing paths through the years. There was a time when we were very close friends. Ill never forget. Im sending much love and light to his family and loved ones. Tom you will be so so missed.
September 01, 2020

David and Jeanne Smoot

Unfortunately, I can't share a memory about this young man because I did not know him, but I knew his parents. Mendall Jordan was our kind and caring physician for many years, and Suzanne was a colleague at NCSU for a time. It is no wonder that they produced such a fine son. Sincere condolences to Suzanne and the rest of the family and my apologies for being so late in sending this message. We are fine now, but had a series of events that prevented our responding sooner. David and Jeanne Smoot Wake Forest, NC
September 01, 2020

Lauren Zingraff

Lit a candle in memory of Thomas Mendall Jordan
September 01, 2020

Leslie (Williams) Glover

Lit a candle in memory of Thomas Mendall Jordan
September 01, 2020

Jennifer Hobgood

Lit a candle in memory of Thomas Mendall Jordan
September 01, 2020

Tim Craig

My first friend when I moved to Raleigh in 1980. We lived close to each other and really enjoyed youthful times swimming and chasing Beth Porter, Leah Mobley, Dia Delpagio and Heather Decatur. We all miss you alot Tom. RIP old friend
September 01, 2020

Dawn NC

To Tom's family and his beloved Nina. I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. I remember him mostly from our days at Martin Middle School and later at Athens. To lose someone so sudden is an indescribable pain. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Nina, Tom was so blessed he had you. May you feel the Saviours arms wrapped around you during this difficult time.
September 01, 2020

Liz Rohweder

Carrie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Toms passing. I have many fond memories of him with all of us at the pool or hanging out in the neighborhood. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Liz Cook Rohweder
September 01, 2020

Eric Simon

Its hard for me to think that I will never see or talk to Tom again. It brings tears to my eyes. I personally will miss him snd I know he will be missed by many. RIP my good friend. I LOVE YOU....
September 01, 2020

Marnie Ganotis

I am so very sorry to hear about Tom. He was a high school friend who was always cheerful and fun to be around. I could always count on him for a laugh. I was so happy to catch up with him during our 2009 HS reunion. We shared so many memories. My heart goes out to his family. I am so sorry that you lost him so young. Marnie Ganotis Berkeley, CA