James Donald Gordon

A funeral service for James Donald Gordon, 77, of Paradise, California, will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 955 Elliott Road in Paradise. A graveside service will be held immediately following at Paradise Cemetery. Jim passed away on February 15, 2012 at a care facility in Live Oak, California. On April 30, 1934 in Baden, Pennsylvania, Jim was born to Scott and Nellie Gordon, the youngest of their nine children. His mother passed away when Jim was just six years old. He grew up and attended school in Baden. In 1953, Jim joined the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War era he worked on submarines and on the USS Bushnell, which was a sub tender. After being released from active duty with and honorable discharge and a recommendation for reenlistment, Jim began working for Sears in Pennsylvania in appliance repair. He moved to California and continued working for Sears in Los Angeles and then in San Rafael. He met Mary in 1962 they wed on April 12, 1963 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They moved to Los Angeles and back to San Rafael with Jim still working for Sears. They moved to Lake Berryessa in Napa County and soon moved to Ukiah and owed a boat shop for many years, they sold the boat shop in 1979. After selling they went on an extended motor home trip around the United States, settling back in Ukiah following that trip, they invested in a Mobile Home repair business, but Jim soon went to work for Wards in appliance repair. When Wards closed down Jim and Mary bought a house in Lucerne and for eighteen years operated an appliance repair shop out of their garage. During this time Jim enjoyed fishing for trout in Dear Creek and became an avid golfer. In September of 1994 Jim injured his back and had to undergo back surgery, after three years he was able to get disability insurance. They moved to Paradise in 1999, where Jim continued his love for fishing and began attending First Assembly of God. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of forty-nine years, Mary Gordon of Paradise; two stepdaughters, Darlene Conkle and Carolyn McGee and numerous nieces and nephews. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James Donald Gordon, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.