James Thomas Gordon

On Aug 6th James Thomas Gordon closed his eyes. On Aug 7th woke to the face of his beautiful wife, Joann D Gordon and found himself standing in the presence of his Heavenly Father. What a glorious day it was! He was home.

He joined his parents Noah and Myrtle Gordon, his sister and her husband, Betty and Bob Deaton and Little Addison Hardt.

The remaining left here on earth look forward to the day we get to join him: his children and their families: Dawn and Kent Ross, Scott and Penni Gordon and Rebecca and Clayton Galyean. grandchildren; Rachel and Kendal Hardt, Deborah and Daniel West, Piper Gordon, Parker Gordon, Sawyer and Layne Galyean, Abigail Galyean and Straton Galyean; great grandchildren: Lorali, Isla, and IdaMae Hardt, David, Joann, Ezekiel and BethAnn West, Wyatt and Truett Galyean.

Jay was born on December 24, 1937 in Dallas, Tx. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson. An accomplishment he bragged about his entire life - at every opportunity. In fact, he invented opportunities to brag about this. He then graduated from University of North Texas and then immediately went to work at Collins Radio / Rockwell International / Alcatel until he retired.

While at UNT, he met the love of his life while leading music at Munger Place Baptist Church in Dallas. He would say, “The first time I saw Joann I was leading the music. She walked in with a tam hat on. I knew right then I was going to marry her.” They were married on May 28, 1960.

All his life Jay was involved in his church. He led the singing at Munger Place. At Casa View, he taught Sunday School, was a deacon, served on innumerable committees and sang in the choir. When they moved to Lakeside Baptist, he continued to teach. He and Joann used to sing duets also.

Jay was also a wonderful husband and father. He incorporated his love of fishing with the kids' love of skiing. Three times a year he made sure they went to their favorite vacation spot: Beach Land Lodge at Lake Whitney where the itinerary was fish, swim, go skiing, repeat. He went to all of Bryan Adams football games for twelve consecutive years. He watched Dawn march in the band, Scott play football and Becca perform with the Bells. As the kids grew up and out He supported all their dreams and was their biggest cheerleader.

His children got married and started blessing him with grandchildren and created a new role for him: Daddy Jay. And how he loved this role. His participation in and support of their lives is evident by the way they adore him. Jay was also able to see two of his granddaughters elevate him to his last role: Great Grandfather. It always amazed him how much more intense his love grew for each generation and how his great grandchildren love their Daddy Jay.

Jay was known by many and left an impression with everyone he came into contact with. He was looked to for advice and wisdom. But the most important thing he wanted to make sure everyone knew was how much he loved his family, his friends and most importantly God.

His presence on this earth will be missed but not forgotten.

Memorial Service

Saturday August 17th, 2024

2:00 pm

First Baptist of Rowlett

5001 Main St Rowlett, TX 75088

A simple reception will be held following the service in the church Fellowship Hall to visit with the family.