When most of his high school classmates were waffling about what to do with their lives, Jordan James Marquise Hayward already knew his calling—to become a professional firefighter. It made perfect sense to his family and friends, who say Jordan’s burning desire to help others never stopped.
Becoming a firefighter in Philadelphia takes considerable preparation and determination, and Jordan was well on his way toward achieving his goal. After graduating from Randolph High School, he was selected to train at the fire academy to learn essential firefighting techniques, equipment operation and life-saving skills.
“Jordan had a good work ethic,” says his grandmother, Julia Omari. “He worked overnight shifts at Amazon, and then during the day he went to firefighter training. I loved seeing him in his uniform. He liked going, and I was proud that he was doing it. Nobody was telling him he had to, he was doing it for him.”
Tragically, Jordan’s dreams were cut short on May 1, 2023, when he was shot several times in West Philadelphia’s Haddington neighborhood. No shooters have been identified, which only magnifies the hole in the hearts of those who loved him.
“The hardest part is not knowing why this happened,” says Jordan’s mother, Tammy Hayward. “Someone took my only son away from me. Every day I’m waiting for him to come through the door. Mornings are hard for me, because that’s when he would come home from work. I know he wouldn’t want me to be moping around sad and crying, but this is really tough.”
Raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Jordan was known for his quiet yet warm presence. His mother fondly remembers her only son as a caring and compassionate young man, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. “He loved helping people,” she says. “Fixing things around the house, painting, re-doing the floors…Even though he was small, he would carry things twice his weight to help his family.”
He even took on tasks that most other people usually try to avoid. “He actually liked helping people move!” Tammy says. “He would just calmly move furniture from one place to another without complaining.”
Family and friends remember Jordan as soft-spoken with a playful side, and unique personality made up of endearing quirks set him apart. Famously a picky eater, Jordan had a penchant for ketchup and was known for putting maple syrup on everything. “Man-Man was the name I called him,” Tammy says. “He was my little Man-Man, my only son. I was so excited to be having a boy.”
An animal-lover, Jordan selflessly cared for his dog, a Maltese named Max. Even as a child, he loved caring for animals. Tammy remembers that as a young boy, Jordan felt bad that his pet guinea pig, who he named Jeff, was always stuck in his cage.
“So one day he let him out and Jeff started running all around. I was worried our cat Diamond would hurt him, but Jordan just said ‘No, Mom, he’s good!’ Jordan just wanted him to be free.”
When Tammy thinks about Jordan’s childhood, she pictures him running track, racing around with his friends, and playing basketball. “He loved basketball” just like his father, Henry Hayward Jr., says Tammy. “He was actually named Jordan after Michael Jordan, because his father is a huge fan. Jordan’s favorite number was 23, Michael Jordan’s number. He loved basketball so much, he’d even go to the playground alone and play basketball if nobody else was around.”
Jordan’s life was anchored by his strong faith and commitment to his spiritual journey. He embraced his faith wholeheartedly, becoming baptized in a church four years prior to his passing. His dedication to his beliefs was evident in his regular attendance at church services, where he sought solace, guidance and a sense of community.
“He really did believe in God,” shares his grandmother. “He was a member of Salt and Light Church, and he went every Sunday. Jordan was a young black man just trying to do right.”
On May 17, a funeral service was held at Francis Funeral Home to honor Jordan’s memory. His legacy continues through his mother, grandmother, four sisters, and the lives he touched, even after he was killed.
“Jordan was 21 years old,” says Tammy. “His kidneys were healthy, and so he donated them to two people who otherwise may not have lived,” Tammy says. “A 60-year old and a 30-year old, he saved their lives even after he passed.”
Resources are available for people and communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Click here for more information.
A reward of up to $20,000 if available to anyone that comes forward with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for this murder. Anonymous calls can be submitted by calling the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS. Information can also be submitted to the Philadelphia Police Department online or by calling 215-686-TIPS.
