James Laverne “Jim” Gordon, age 81, passed away Monday, August 18, 2014, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, in WaKeeney. He was born November 14, 1932, in WaKeeney, to Marvin and Elsie (Campbell) Gordon. He was a lifelong area resident.
Jim attended Trego Community Schools and went on to serve our country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He served from 1951 to 1956, and was assigned to the USS Wadleigh. On July 28, 1968, Jim was united in marriage to Shirley Meyer. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage together. He worked for Kansas Department of Transportation as a highway worker for twenty five years. He retired in 1995.
Jim was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, VFW Post 3449 and Eagles Lodge 3774. He enjoyed a good game of pitch or pinochle with friends and family. He also looked forward to the occasional fishing trip.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; a son David of Victor, New York; a grandson Alex of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; a step-daughter Brenda Hensley of Coallatin, Missouri; two sisters Betty Vines of Seagoville, Texas and Marjorie McAdams of Dallas, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jamie, and two brothers Roy Lee and Wayne.
A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2014, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of WaKeeney. Burial with military honors will be at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to FHSU Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, or Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation. Checks made directly to these organizations may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.
