James Gordon

Gordon, James MADISON/MINERAL POINT - James H. "Jim" Gordon Jr., age 74, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, after a courageous battle with Huntington's Disease. He was born on Sept. 29, 1934, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of James H. and Mary (Maher) Gordon Sr. Jim was born and raised in Mineral Point, graduating from high school in 1953. He then went off to explore the world by joining the U. S. Army. Once out of the service he worked for several employers, all helping him to gain valuable knowledge of the building trade. In the 70's, Jim began his first construction company; Mid State Building Systems located in Columbus. He then moved to Georgia for several years and continued his construction company as JH Gordon Corp. Once he returned to Wisconsin, Jim formed a partnership and began DL Design Builders located in McFarland. Jim had an adventurous soul. He loved taking chances and conquering new challenges. Among those challenges he was a sponsor of the ASA Race Car circuit. He was also a member of the Monona Yacht Club, Madison Elks Lodge, Moose Club, East Side Businessman's Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He loved boating, watching NASCAR, traveling in his motor home and socializing. He is survived by his oldest son, Clark Vivian of Madison; and three more loving children, Terry Vaughn of Madison, Tim Gordon of Sheboygan Falls, and Tammy (Bruce) Ochs of Monroe, Mich.; and their mother, Mary (Rule) Gordon; grandchildren, Krystal (Marc) Stephanie, Tim Gordon Jr., Deidre Vaughn, Jennah Vaughn, Sarah Vaughn, Emma Vaughn, Hunter Ochs and Hanna Ochs, one great-granddaughter, Ruby Stephanie; and sister, Mary Lynn Palzkill and brother-in-law Chet Nowak and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Nowak; brother-in-law, Harry "Deige" Palzkill; and his faithful canine friends, Toby and T.J. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, at 11 a.m. at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St. with Fr. John Meinholz presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral at church. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers5203 Monona Drive(608) 221-5420www.gundersonfh.com Memorials: Memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Visitation: Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.