James Thomas Gorsuch

James Thomas Gorsuch passed away on July 1, 2025, after five months of health difficulties. Jim was born in Harvey, Illinois (near Chicago) on August 2, 1936, to Budd Kenneth Gorsuch, Sr. and Jane Salkeld Gorsuch and grew up in Illinois, Wisconsin, California and Texas.

He graduated from Lamar High School in Houston and attended the University of Houston’s architecture school, making him a lifelong Cougars fan. While working at Gulf Oil as a draftsman, he met the love of his life and fellow Gulf employee, Nanella Burnette. They were married in 1962 and had two sons: Rob was born in 1964 and Tom was born in 1966. In 1968, they moved to Lake Jackson where Jim owned and operated Brazoria Valve & Fitting Co. until he retired in 1999. He enjoyed much success in his business and treasured the relationships he developed with employees, peers and customers. During his working and early retirement years, he was a loyal Riverside Country Club member and made many wonderful memories there both on the golf course and in the clubhouse. Jim and Nan were long-time members of Chapelwood Methodist Church and were strong supporters of their church community, which meant so much to them. They also worked with their friends to create and sustain many of the civic institutions that have built Brazosport, including Brazosport College and the Brazosport Center for the Arts and Sciences. They were also major supporters of community organizations and causes such as Junior Service League, SPCA of Brazoria County, and Brazosport Memorial Hospital. But closest to Jim’s heart was his family. He supported his parents and brother in their retirement and devoted his energy and time to his sons, including coaching Little League baseball teams. Rob and Tom were his pride and joy and he was the first to celebrate with them or offer consolation and advice as they journeyed through life. Jim was devastated by Nan’s sudden passing in 2017, but picked himself up and found joy in his later relationship with Joann Williams and in two Yorkies named Abbie.

He is predeceased by his parents, Budd and Jane Gorsuch, his brother Budd Gorsuch, Jr., and his wife, Nan Gorsuch.

He is survived by his sons Rob and Tom, daughter-in-law Gwynn, and grandchildren Jackson, Tyler, Claire, Michael, Katherine and Caroline will cherish his memory forever.

Arrangements are being coordinated by Restwood/Dignity in Clute, Texas. There will be a private burial at Restwood in Clute, Texas, with a celebration of Jim’s life following at Chapelwood Methodist Church in Lake Jackson on Monday July 28, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Chapelwood Methodist Church or the SPCA of Brazoria County, both organizations that were important to Jim and Nan.