Jordan Dane Downing was born in Portales, New Mexico, on April 6, 1983. The son of Wayne and Donna Downing, Jordan spent much of his youth on his bike exploring the outdoors with a tight-knit group of friends who remained loyal to him for his entire life.

It was after 9/11 that Jordan committed to a life of service. In 2002, he attended Wharton County Junior College, North Harris Montgomery County Community College, and Sam Houston State University in pursuit of a career as a firefighter/paramedic. He was valedictorian of his cadet class at the Sugar Land Fire Academy and won the first-place physical fitness award as a cadet after joining HFD in May of 2005.

Jordan's training and love of everything political led to a coveted spot on the medical detail for the late former President George W. Bush. Even Barbara Bush held a special place in her heart for Jordan, depending on him to make her nightcap every night.

Jordan was diagnosed with cancer on October 22, 2020. Although there was no cure, he bravely fought the disease, signing up for a clinical trial in hopes he could help ease the struggle for other firefighters fighting cancer now or in the future.

In 2019, Jordan embarked on a journey of self improvement. For him, bodybuilding was a lifestyle. He loved the structure, discipline and commitment it required and applied those concepts to every aspect of his life. His last competition was the NPC Southwest USA Championship in Arlington, Texas, hosted by Betty and Ed Pariso, where he placed first in his division, Men's Masters body building (35+). Jordan's love of bodybuilding inspired the woman who became his wife to take her interest in weightlifting seriously. At first, it was future wife training future husband, but the roles switched, and it was due to Jordan's selfless support, tireless training and heartfelt guidance that they achieved her IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) professional status.

Jordan's survivors include his wife, Blair; son, Aiden Dane Downing; mother, Donna Jo; father, Wayne; brother, Brandon Wayne and sister-in-law, Sandra Downing; brother, Brian Downing, grandfather, Austin Monroe; and nephew, Konstan Zae Downing. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Velma Downing and Bobby Wayne and Ellie Crouch.

The family wishes to share their sincere thanks and gratitude to the Houston Fire Department; the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association; the ICU nurses at CHI St. Luke's; the staff at Vantage Hospice Care; Tom Laarman and Klein Funeral Home; Terry McBurney and The Republic Grille; Nick Zavorski and Republic EMS; Dr. Zhu and the team at Texas Oncology; Captain Chris Reyna, Senior Captain Jeremy Downing (no relation); Firefighter Sam Morgan; Jackie Whaley and Jordan's close friends Bobby Belsan, Jason Foster, Adam Karas and Laverne Smith for the overwhelming amount of support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to: houstonsbravest.org | firehelpingfire.org | hfdpipes.com | HFD Honor Guard | thecaptainrenaudfoundation.org.