Jordan Conway Clifford Cardella was born on September 14th,1990, to his loving parents Alan and Kay. From the time he was born he never stopped moving, learning, and managing to figure out how to get on everyone’s nerves. Other than managing to get on his (many) siblings nerves, Jordan was a highly skilled mechanic.Jordan would make our mom stop so he could help every person who was broken down on the side of the road. He was also a skilled carpenter, which he had learned from our dad while flipping houses with him. He was an avid reader (yet still failed English class) and could figure out any math problem in his head. And yes, he failed math class too.
Growing up, Jordan loved to play practical jokes on Sandra. Like giving her dog poop as a birthday present. She doesn’t remember getting it, but our sister Kira still loves to laugh about it to this day. Jordan loved all of his 10 sisters and 1 brother to the best of his ability. Jordan loved to yell at his younger siblings for listening to music he deemed inappropriate, wearing things he thought were too revealing or saying things he didn’t like. He held all his sisters to a high standard, even though we all know he wasn’t a saint himself.
As Jordan got older he began a very long and hard struggle with drug addiction and mental Illness, which unfortunately followed him for the rest of his short life. Though Jordan battled with a heroin addiction, he still managed to find a life partner in Jena, his fiancé. He also holds the record in the family for the longest engagement, it’s been 10 years. Jena also gave Jordan his biggest blessings. His 3 children Jordyn (8) and twin boys Chance and Charlie (5). Jordan often showed his love for Jena by writing “good morning beautiful” on their refrigerator every morning.
Unfortunately, the last few years we haven’t had the best relationship with Jordan. We had tried getting him into several different rehab facilities, prayed he’d go to jail, begged him to get clean, and finally just had to accept that he would get better when he was ready to change. As a family we were stuck waiting for the “phone call”. The hardest part of Jordan dying, is the fact that he can never get better in this life. He found his cure in death. We know the topic is hard for people to think about or discuss, and being open about the struggles with addiction can be uncomfortable. We are hoping that anyone who reads Jordan’s story will maybe start to look for help, and maybe Jordan dying, will save someone else’s life.
Jordan’s life, although short, was full of adventure. He had friends from all different walks of life. He was always welcoming to people despite his own struggles. Jordan would thank every single military member he passed, and shake their hand. Jordan would make time for anyone, no matter what the situation. However, if he told you he would be somewhere by a certain time, he would definitely NOT be there by that time. We liked to call it running on “cardella time” which is a trait he got from our dad.
Jordan liked to pretend that he was a hard ass, however he was the biggest momma’s boy I have ever met. And his friends said that he got his potty mouth from her too. Our mom taught him to help anyone and everyone, and also how to be stubborn. Our dad taught him how to work hard and do his best to provide and protect his family. Our step dad Slade taught him to be humble and kind. Our step mom Karen taught him how to cook and take care of a home. Jena taught and gave him unconditional love and support, which we all appreciate her for. Jordan will be so very missed by all who knew him, but especially his family. His fiancé Jena, and their 3 children Jordyn (Baby J) Chance and Charlie. His father Alan, his mother Kay, his step father Slade, his step mother Karen, his siblings Kira, Amber, Robin, Sandra, Ian, Savannah, Aliyah, Yochannah, Grace, Chavah, and Hope. Along with his 7 nephews, and 5 nieces.
Instead of flowers or cards, we as his family are asking for donations in Jordan’s name to a couple of organizations. The first is Impact which offers residential treatment for opiate addiction. The second is 414Life which offers services to victims and families of violence.
A recording of the service is available on the Molthen-Bell Facebook page:
https://fb.watch/cUVin65J6l/