Keeping memories alive

Jordan Johnson was only 15 years old when he died in November 2006. But for those who knew him, Jordan’s spirit and the way he lived his life will continue to inspire them for years to come.

Jordan was vacationing in the Virgin Islands with his family a little over a year ago when he died unexpectedly from an undetected heart ailment.

“Jordan was an amazing person who was so loving and caring,” said Katy Tessier, a friend of Jordan’s and a junior at Post Falls High School. “He loved life and would want everyone to have a smile on their face.”

“It was all about fun with Jordan,” added Jordan’s friend Hailey Byrne.

When the students at Post Falls High School returned to classes after Jordan’s death last year, many wore shirts with Jordan’s picture on it. They were determined to keep Jordan’s memory alive.

But tragedy struck the Johnson family again about six months after Jordan’s death. His father, Tom, was killed by a drunk driver while riding a motorcycle in Mexico where he and his wife Cyndie were vacationing.

“Jordan’s dad was a well-connected and well respected businessman in the community,” said Samantha Cooney, a teacher at Post Falls High School. She said that Tom’s friends and business associates wanted to do something to keep both Tom and Jordan’s memory alive in the community. They decided to donate funds to the new Boys and Girls Club that is being constructed in Post Falls on Spokane Street.

“It will be called the Jordan Johnson Center,” said Cooney.

The students at Post Falls High School, specifically those enrolled in the Leadership Class, immediately volunteered to help raise funds.