The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office has identified the remains of a man discovered on the banks of the Ohio River on Saturday afternoon. A citizen made the grim discovery near the river’s edge around 2:30 in the afternoon. Due to the state of the body, officials could not identify the man until a forensic investigation was complete.
The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 34-year-old Jordan A. James from Portsmouth. Officials say they are still investigating how he died.
James had a troubled past, with at least 58 charges listed on the docket of Portsmouth Municipal Court in the past 16 years since he turned 18. However, in recent months, he seemed to be moving forward to getting his life together.
Charges included assault, multiple arrests for disorderly conduct, theft, escape, endangering a child, possessing criminal tools, carrying a concealed weapon, falsification, drug abuse, providing alcohol to someone underage, assault, obstructing justice, criminal trespass, domestic violence, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, contempt, resisting arrest, burglary, criminal damaging, escape, and public indecency.
In recent years, James seemed to be struggling to get his life together. According to Facebook posts, he entered treatment late last year. James was not in any trouble with the law after June of last year.
Back in early September, his last public Facebook post was an inspirational clip featuring musician Jelly Roll encouraging people with addiction struggles to keep going.
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