Leonard Jordan

Leonard M. "Swing" Jordan of Kalamazoo, MI died Tuesday afternoon November 21, 2017, however, packed a lot in in his 97 years here. Leonard was born December 5, 1919 in Chicago, IL son of Frank and Clara (Frazier) Jordan. He graduated from the historically Black college Knoxville College where his basketball finesse earned him the nickname "Swing" after the hook shot he used on the court. His athletic prowess led him to play in Italy and against the team that would become known as the Harlem Globetrotters. He had been a Kalamazoo area resident for 61 years, working as a dishwasher, mail deliverer, and Sears warehouse manager until his final post as an Analyst for the Asgrow division of The Upjohn Company upon his retirement in 1985. His love of basketball and education led him to Kalamazoo Valley Community College where for over 20 years he assisted Coach Dick Shilts in making the Cougars a winning team. Leonard was presented with an honorary degree from College President Marilyn Schlack, having earned more than 100 credits "just for the heck of it", taking every class but welding. "Mr. KVCC" was seen on campus for decades and will be missed by all. Leonard was preceded in death by parents and a son, Michael. He is survived by 5 children, Sharon Klopner of Chicago, IL, Mark Klopner of Chicago, IL, Lynnette "Nikki" (Jeff) Ampey of Kalamazoo, Barbara (Christopher) Watts of Olympia Fields, IL and Christopher (Grace) Jordan of Toronto, Ontario; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A memorial homegoing celebration will be held from 12-2 pm Saturday, December 2nd at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. Private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) c/o Dick Shilts.