Parents’ search leads to a way of hope to honor their son
The Kontor family members are all smiles in a past moment of celebration. In the front row are Jeff, Robin and Frankie Kontor. In the back row, Jordan stands next to his other sister, Courtney Robinson. (Submitted photo)
By John Shaughnessy
Robin and Jeff Kontor believe that for most of us, our lives are marked by searching—searching to find our place in life, searching for how we can best contribute to the world, and even searching to understand the toughest times in our lives and how to keep moving forward in hope.
The Kontors have been on such a search ever since their 28-year-old son Jordan died in February of 2022 from a seizure related to his lifelong struggle with epilepsy.
As they tried to deal with their heartbreak, they kept remembering how Jordan tried to live his life. They focused on his smile, his willingness to help others, and his ability to make people see their worth. They also constantly recalled his work ethic, and how he started his own landscaping service while at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis, continued it through college and made it his business as an adult.
As they thought of those qualities, they began searching for a way to honor their son. And when they found one, they shared its hope in a statement they wrote together.
“Our lives were forever changed when we lost our son,” noted the Kontors, members of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Noblesville, Ind., in the Lafayette Diocese. “From the pain of losing Jordan came a vision to help others find their purpose. We want to continue Jordan’s legacy by helping young people. We believe that the period from the teens through the 20s is a critical time. There are challenges and opportunities. It is a time filled with questions on what the future holds.
“No matter what hand you are dealt and with each struggle, you learn a lesson that forces you forward, to get stronger and wiser. We want emerging adults to have the resources they need to reach their unique potential and dreams.”
Those words form the essence of JoJo’s Jumpstart Foundation—“JoJo” being the nickname they have for their son. The mission for the foundation is to provide “financial assistance for scholarships for graduating high school seniors for continuing education, trade school or entrepreneurship.” Another goal is for each recipient to be matched with a mentor.
A first fundraiser for the foundation will be held on Sept. 22, which is the day that Jordan would have celebrated his 30th birthday. The event from 7-11 p.m. will be at the Northside Events and Social Club in Indianapolis.
As a longtime former teacher at Bishop Chatard High School, Robin Kontor knows the challenges that young people—especially those with learning disabilities—face while making the transition from youth to adulthood. She also believes that Jordan—who had severe dyslexia—would smile about his family’s tribute to him.
“As much as our hearts are broken to lose JoJo, we know he would love this idea,” his mother says. “He would be so proud that kids who are on the same path as him are getting acknowledged for their gifts and talents.”
(For more information about JoJo’s Jumpstart Foundation, visit the website, www.jojosjumpstart.org. Click on “donate” to learn more about the fundraiser. Scholarship information and applications can also be found on the website.) †
