Memorial held for Hamilton Jordan who passed away from mesothelioma

Atlanta, GA - Hamilton Jordan, the former White House Chief of Staff for President Jimmy Carter, passed away last week as a result of mesothelioma, a fatal lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure.

Mr. Jordan was known is being very influential in the health community. He not only used his experience to advocate in the cancer community, but also urged and inspired thousands of other cancer patients to become more knowledgeable about their diseases. In the past 24 years, he has dealt with three other forms of cancer, including skin cancer, prostate cancer, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

He died at the age of 63 in his Atlanta home on Tuesday after struggling with mesothelioma for many years.

At a memorial service held in his honor on Friday, Mr. Jordan was remembered as a loving husband and father, a political genius, an unabashed jokester, and above all a cancer survivor and outspoken leader for others diagnosed with the illness. The 70-minute service, held at the 475-seat chapel at the Carter Center, was over capacity as people gathered to share their memories of him.

The lobby walls were decorated in roses, lilacs, and carnations sent by friends and former colleagues and sprays of sunflowers sat on the stage.

During his eulogy, former President Jimmy Carter said Mr. Jordan impacted his life and career more beneficially than anyone else and thought of him like a son. The two had worked together for 42 years, ever since Mr. Carter was a governor. Mr. Jordan had told him then that he should forget running another term for governor and instead consider running for the presidential seat.

Notable figures in attendance included Mr. Jordan's widow, Dorothy, Andrew Young, former Vice President Walter Mondale, several former senators, and staff members during President's Carter's administration.