Remembering 1984 Board President Edward ‘Bud’ Jordan
Poetic justice example: Former Commander in the U.S. Navy Edward “Bud” Jordan, our beloved 1984 president of the Northern Virginia Board of Realtors®, passed away in his Alexandria home with family nearby on May 23. His services took place at the end of the 2017 Memorial Day weekend, attracting more than 300 well-wishers. Bud died due to complications from heart failure.
Bud’s presidency coincided with 1995 Board President David Howell’s rookie Realtor® year. “He never shied away from his leadership role. He served during the formative years that led NVAR to become what it is today,” Howell said.
“Bud was never one to speak unless he had something to say, so everyone paid attention when he opened his mouth; he was NVAR's E.F. Hutton,” Howell continued. “Warm, funny, great husband, father, grandfather, and always the consummate gentleman. Although he never talked about it, he was a distinguished naval aviator, and it is particularly fitting that Bud passed away just before Memorial Day. At a time when we all pause to remember this nation's fallen heroes, another one was welcomed into the fold.”
In an era – the 1980s, when issues such as gender inequality grabbed headlines, the Jordans, Bud and his wife Jacqueline, were a special duo, both with strong leadership genes.
Jacqueline was the family’s pioneer, entering the real estate industry while Bud finished up his Navy stint. She served as the 1994 president of the Prince William Association of Realtors®. The Jordans were lifelong supporters of each other.
Said NVAR Chairman of the Board Bob Adamson, “It always amazes me about the character and positive influence of our past NVAR leaders. Bud was an inspiration to all of us. He was loyal to NVAR, and we will miss the passion that he showed for us and our industry.”
Following Bud’s leadership was Tom Stevens, the 1985 NVBR President. “I really thought Bud was in [the real estate industry] to make improvements,” Stevens said. “He was in it for all the right reasons. He wanted to help homeowners across the metro area; no ego at all.
“He never really got upset at anything, always had a smile on his face,” Stevens continued. “People are back and forth at each other in board meetings, but not Bud Jordan! No matter how intense, he [was in charge] with a smile.”
The market was tough during President Ronald Reagan’s term, recalled 1988 President of the Board Ed Pagett, as interest rates were just starting to ratchet down from 17 and 18 percent record highs to the much better 13 percent, he said. “Reagan was a ‘pull yourself up by the boot straps’ kind of president. Bud and I would say, ‘Then send us some bootstraps.’”
Kip Laughlin, the 1986 NVBR president, recalled that “Bud never talked about the fact that he was a World War II Navy carrier pilot. I heard from a friend that Bud made [an estimated] 400 carrier landings during World War II. He was not only a Veteran leader and our board president, he was a true American patriot.”
2008 Chairman of the Board Jane Quill recalled, “What struck me always was [Bud’s] genuine interest in God, family, friends and, of course, Realtors®.
“Whenever I met him,” Quill continued, “he smiled as if I were his only friend, and then proceeded to say hello to everyone with the same warmth as he shared the
news of the day or a funny story. How lucky we all are to be inspired by such a person.”
Susan Holbrook Daly taught Bud in her continuing education courses at the NVBR. He even delivered an apple to her!
“He taught me, ‘You learn how to work in the market that you are in,’” she said. “I value those who had experience. I knew when to say ‘I don’t know,’ and I knew you could talk to Bud. Bud was always a person [who] would make time for you,” she recalled.
Always exuding a positive vibe, Bud was happiest when he was with his family or commiserating with colleagues. He provided a road map for the Northern Virginia Board of Realtors® when he served as the board’s leader.
Bud is survived by his children Kathleen Pace, Edward Jordan Jr., Amanda Jordan, three grandchildren, one great grandson and other family members.
The family requested that memorial contributions be made to Bud’s charity of choice, The Smile Train.
https://my.smiletrain.org