Jordan Nicholas Sampleton, 24

Addiction hates expo- sure but recovery demands it. There has to be a voice, and the stigma of shame needs to be el- iminated.

“The drugs won and Jordan is going to die,” were the words the doctor told us on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the hospital in Schenectady, New York. “No, that is NOT happen- ing, go away and come back with another option, is what his Auntie begged of the doctor. He said, “I am very sorry, I will give you some time.” Time? No, we need a MIRACLE here! He is only 24 years old! Wait, doctor, please don’t go!

Jordan’s heart did stop beating that day and all of our hearts burst with grief. His sister Kaylyn’s knees buckled as she screamed out, “Jordy, how can you do this to me?” Jordan and Kaylyn were inseparable. In fact, they might as well have been twins. She lost half of her- self that day too. With a room full of his family and friends, Jordan laid lifeless on his hospital bed as we all said our goodbyes. How could this be happening?

This can’t be real. Did the devil and the drugs really win? Yes, indeed they did.

Jordan was born on June 2, 1992 to Tina and Sammie Sampleton. He was a healthy, happy baby who kept us all very busy. Jordan was raised by his loving mother and a vil- lage of extended family. He was born in Utah but moved with his family shortly thereafter to his mom’s hometown of Butte, MT. He attended Emerson Elementary School. He relocated to Missoula, MT in 2004, soon after his mom mar- ried Michael Boman, who became a wonderful fa- ther to Jordan.

Jordan loved living in Missoula. He made so many amazing friends during those formative years. He graduated from Big Sky high school in 2011. While at Big Sky, he was a varsity football player and was invited to play in the Montana East-West Shrine game his senior year. He re- ceived a football scholar- ship to Minot State University.

While in Minot, Jordan discovered his true pas- sion, hospitality manage- ment. His goals were to earn his degree and one day become a hotel own- er. He worked in several hotels in Minot and Al- bany, learning and refin- ing his skills. He em- braced new challenges and was innovative and creative in his work. He received many accolades from his employers and employees.

Jordan’s journey into darkness began about 3 years ago after the un- timely death of his beloved mother. He was willing to go to rehab centers during his battle because he was deter- mined to win the fight. As each attempt failed, Jor- dan asked if he could join Kaylyn in Albany, NY so she could help him with his struggle. The “twins” were going to ride out this storm together. Jordan took a 36-hour train ride while going through with- drawal as a desperate at- tempt to flee his addiction and failing life style. A true fighter, Jordan was not giving up. Failure was not an option and he was determined to prevail! He found a job in Albany do- ing what he loved as a food and beverage super- visor at the Radisson Hotel in Albany. His su- pervisor, Ricardo Smith believed in Jordan and knew he hired a diamond in the rough. Jordan did not wake up to learn that he had been granted a promotion earlier that week. In addition, he re- gistered for college in the fall.

Jordan had a true pas- sion for life. He was a vi- brant, kind, and loving young man with an unfor- gettable way of showing people how special they were. He made a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His sense of humor, contagious laughter and endless smile made his presence known when he entered a room. He was adored and loved by all. It will always be a mystery if Jordan really knew just how much he was loved.

Jordan fought a valiant battle. In the midst of his greatest darkness, hope still remained strong in his heart. This hope was rooted in the belief that through the confession of faith in Jesus, although his war within was great, he would eventually be able to be at peace with God. He believed in the hope of God, the hope of freedom, the hope that the flickering of Jordan’s light would once again shine bright. On July 11th, Jordan posted to his Facebook page a photo with the words “Choose to Shine.” He chose to shine in our lives even when he couldn’t seem to grasp his own diminishing light. He gave more to us than he could give to himself. To us, he is not identified as an addict, but as a Son of God. Our “Jordy”, a loving son, cherished grandson, a thoughtful nephew, a little bro, a cool cousin, and a best friend! Jordan you will forever be missed, and never be for- gotten. We will choose to light up the darkness and we will choose to shine!

“The light shines in the darkness, and the dark- ness has not overcome it.”-John 1:5

Jordan is survived by his number one fan, his sister Kaylyn Sampleton of Schenectady, NY; fa- ther Michael Boman and his grandma Carol Boman of Helena, MT; Grandma Pinkie Sampleton of Seguin TX. His two Grandpas Jim Heim and Jack Ayers both of Butte, MT; His Auntie Jeanette and Uncle Jack Kappes both of Butte, MT; Uncle Lawrence and Aunt Libbi of Austin, TX; Uncle Van and Aunt Monica Sample-ton of Plainfield, IL. Spe- cial Aunt Sharon Holling of Butte, MT.

Jordan had many fond childhood memories with his cousins, Jackson and Jonathan Kappes, Evan and Maya Sampleton, Whitney, Christian and Trinity Sampleton, Julie and Jennifer Mitchum.

Jordan is also survived by his extended family, Cindy Clark and her two daughter’s Haleigh and Carleigh Garrett along with a “VILLAGE” of friends he made during his life. Jordan joins his Mother, Tina Sampleton Boman, Grandmother (G-ma) Carol Galetti Heim, Grandpa Duane Bo- man and Grandpa Lawrence Sampleton Sr. In Heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn at 1:00 p.m. in Missoula, Montana on Sa- turday, August 20, 2016. His service will be offici- ated by Elder Van Sam- pleton, Jordan’s uncle.

In lieu of flowers, please do something fabu- lous in the name of Jor- dan. It could be giving someone a smile that day and saying, “hey Jordy, this was for you.”

Let’s keep Jordan’s spirit alive!