Forever 24 jordan L. Mathews Memorial Foundation
The Forever 24 Jordan L. Mathews Memorial Foundation was established to honor the life and legacy of Jordan L. Mathews. Jordan was born on July 31, 1998 and transitioned from earth on August 23, 2019. During his time on earth, Jordan touched a lot of people with his kind and gentle spirit. His infectious smile would light up the room and change the atmosphere. Jordan loved life, his family and friends.
Jordan was diagnosed with chronic asthma when he was just a young lad. He was often hospitalized multiple times a year due to the effects of asthma. This awful disease took a toll on his well-being. He would often miss school, travel, sporting events and hanging out with friends, all of which he loved. But nevertheless, he didn't let his disability stop him. The resiliency he possessed was something to behold. Jordan often attended asthma camps such as Camp WheezeAway that's held at the YMCA Camp Chandler in Wetumpka. This camp provided him with necessary tools and resources on how to navigate through life living with asthma.
At the tender age of 6, Jordan developed a love for baseball. Over the years, he won several city, county, state and regional championships with the following baseball organizations: Sylacauga Little Leagues, Sylacauga Bandits Travel Ball, Sylacauga Little League All Stars Travel Ball, Sylacauga Babe Ruth, Central Alabama Baseball Association (CABA), Pell City Piranhas, Birmingham Independent Baseball, B.B Comer High School Tigers, Monroe College Mustangs and Tougaloo College Bulldogs. In June of 2019, he had the opportunity to try- out for the Rome Braves minor league team. He placed in the top 10 percentile to be drafted. Jordan's last victory was on June 16th, 2019. He coached a Central Alabama Baseball 10 and under team, in the Perfect Game International Tournament, where they earned a championship ring.
The name "Forever 24" was given to Jordan after his passing by his beloved baseball teammates at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. He was proud to wear the number 24 jersey. The team dedicated the 2019-2020 baseball season to honor Jordan by retiring his jersey, wearing the number 24 on their hats and cleats. Jordan is credited for designing the team cleats before his unexpected demise. His initials and the number 24 were added after his passing.
Jordan graduated from B. B. Comer Memorial High School located in Sylacauga, Alabama. He was involved in various school activities which include the following: Student Leadership, Key Club, C-Club, Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, All-County Baseball Team, Basketball and Football. During his senior year, Jordan was voted Homecoming King. Jordan also participated and volunteered as a mentor in several community programs like the Boys Club of Sylacauga for many years.
Jordan furthered his passion for baseball and played on the collegiate levels. He played for Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York for the 2017 & 2018 seasons, While at Monroe College, he received the Mustangs Men's Baseball 2017 Coaches Award. He later graduated in June 2018, with an Associates in Applied Science degree in Sports Management.
Jordan transferred to Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi in August 2018, to further his education and continue his love for the game of baseball. He completed his junior year of studies in Health and Recreational Science. He returned for his senior year on August 13th, 2019.
On the morning of August 23, 2019, Jordan lost his life due to an acute asthma attack. Jordan is missed by all. The impact he left on those that knew him, will never be forgotten. Jordan's loving spirit continues to resonate on earth as he was an organ donor. His organs helped to save up to 8 lives. A ceremony sponsored by Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) was held on November 8, 2019 to honor him and other organ donors. A mural of Jordan hangs on the Wall of Heroes in the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.
Thanks to all those who have honored Jordan's Legacy, from the B.B Comer High School Class of 2016 with a memorial baseball game held in September 2019, as well as the Tiger Booster Club displaying a memorial banner. Also the Central Alabama Baseball Academy (CABA) has dedicated the 2020 summer travel ball season to him by displaying his initials JM on over 400 jerseys.
The goal of the Forever 24 Jordan L. Mathews Foundation will help the community to prosper by spreading good will and love by providing educational scholarships, volunteering in community events, sponsoring asthma camp attendees, sponsoring baseball clubs(registration, uniforms, equipment needs) as well as sponsoring a day dedicated to grieving parents and siblings.
