James Gordon Coughlin II passed away on May 1, 2024. He was born on November 10, 1948 in Clarksburg, West Virginia to the late James Gordon Coughlin and Katharine Nixon Coughlin. Gordon was the oldest of three siblings Stephen Lloyd (deceased) and Jean Coughlin Oldham (Bill). In 1963 the Coughlins relocated to Memphis, TN where Gordon attended Sacred Heart High School in Walls, Mississippi graduating in 1966. He went on to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin and later enlisted in the US Army and served in Army Intelligence in Vietnam reaching the rank of E5 before his honorable discharge after 3 years of service. Upon his return he attended Memphis State University and graduated with a degree in Business.
Gordon was the proud father of James Gordon Coughlin III and Kimberly Meili Coughlin (deceased), he was the happy Grandpa Gordon to Arianna Kimberly Coughlin (James daughter) and the much loved Uncle/“Fruncle” to Patrick Neal Oldham (Ashley) (Maddie and Will), Katharine Oldham Fik (Jay) (Elaina, Lilah, and Poppy), and Elizabeth Oldham Coletta (Clay) (Hoyt).
Gordon’s transformation through his complete devotion to the Alcoholics Anonymous way of life was remarkable. He helped countless others through his commitment to the opening and closing of meetings, and being a loyal and trustworthy friend to anyone who needed him at any time. He was very active with the Memphis Intergroup and volunteered weekly there. He truly lived the watchwords from the Big Book patience, tolerance, understanding and love. He was proud of his achievements and his 13 years of sobriety.
Gordon was a cherished friend and mentor. He took the time to make everyone he came in contact with feel both special and seen. He was an incredible listener and was humble and forgiving. His smile and laugh brightened every room he was in and his warm hugs will be deeply missed. His love of Christmas will always be treasured, and his kind spirit will live on in all those he touched.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 15 @ 2:00pm at Family Funeral Care 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38122
