Fr. Gordon James Judd

REVEREND GORDON JAMES JUDD, CSB was born in Cheboygan, MI on February 2, 1941 to Dwight (Duke) Judd and Grace (Chimner) Judd. At six weeks of age, the family relocated to the Detroit area where Gordon and his siblings attended various Catholic schools. Gordon graduated from SS. Peter and Paul Elementary School and Catholic Central High School – Class of 1958.

Gordon joined the Community of St. Basil religious order after graduation from Catholic Central, entering the Basilian Novitiate in August of 1958 at St. Basil Novitiate, Pontiac, MI. He then attended St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, graduating in 1963. Gordon next attended Theology classes in Toronto, ON at St. Michael’s College. Following completion of his undergraduate degree, Gordon was assigned to teach English at Andrean High School in Gary, IN, under the auspices of the Basilian Fathers. During that period, he attended DePaul University in Chicago, where he was awarded a Masters degree in English. Later in life, he also earned a second Master’s Degree, this time in Conflict Resolution from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH. Gordon was very involved in the Detroit Peace Community during the 1970s, ‘80s, and early ‘90s. Following his activism period, he worked as a consultant for the Sisters of Mercy in matters relating to social investment strategies. More recently he was active on the Catholic Central High School Board of Directors and was a consultant for strategic planning at various institutions.

Gordon had a zest for life – spending hours gardening in his yard in Corktown, traveling around the state of Michigan taking in the sights, sounds and flavors of interesting places, showing family and friends the wonders of his neighborhood. When quiet time was needed… he enjoyed listening to his favorite symphonies and operas while reading an interesting book, usually with a cat on his lap. Gordon was an avid reader who donated his gently read books to the Friends of the Belleville Library, where a commemorative bench is being placed at the new library in his name.

Gordon has been saying Mass on the weekends at St. Mary of the Snows Catholic Church in Milford, MI for a number of years. Though not assigned as permanent clergy at St. Mary’s, he was a welcome addition to the priests who provided services to the parishioners.

Gordon is lovingly remembered by many family members and friends. He was a warm and outgoing man who served God faithfully as a priest for fifty years. Ordained in his childhood city of Detroit on December 13, 1969, Gordon died in his beloved city on the day of his 50th anniversary of ordination, December 13, 2019, when God finally called him home.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers Richard and Ralph, sisters Doris and Ann, nephew Timothy Judd, and beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his sister, Mary Jane Dawson (Rick), brother, Tom Judd (Lou Anne), nephews and nieces, and dear friend, Alice Ovlasuk.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1958 SCHOLARSHIP FUND or THE MERCY EDUCATION PROJECT.