James Aubrey Gordon Jr.

James Aubrey Gordon Jr, age 88, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, devoted family, and lasting friendships. Jim was born on July 28, 1937 in Memphis to James Aubrey Gordon, Sr. and Nan Best Gordon. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 50 years, Marilyn Campbell Gordon; and his sister, Nancy Gordon Heidelberg. He is survived by his daughters, Leigh Wright (Chris) of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Nancy Russell (Andy) of Franklin, TN. He was a proud and loving Papa to Allie Wright Wood (Tyler), John Wright, Morgan Russell, and Natalie Russell, all of whom brought him tremendous joy.

Jim graduated from Central High School in 1955, and continued his education at Vanderbilt University where he graduated in 1959 and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Among the highlights of his young life was his time as a US Forest Service smokejumper in Montana and Idaho, where he parachuted into remote areas to fight wildfires. He also served his country in the US Air Force Reserve and was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

In November of 1963, Jim married Marilyn Campbell Gordon, and they shared almost 50 years of marriage, building a home filled with love, traditions, and lots of laughter.

Following his military service, Jim enjoyed a successful 25 year career with IBM, retiring in 1989 to begin Jim Gordon Jewelers, a business he built with integrity, dedication, and exceptional customer service. He continued to work in the jewelry business alongside his longtime friend, Elmer Holder, until his passing. Many of his happiest memories were from the 47 years he lived on McElroy Cove where he would say he had the best neighbors in the world. He lived his last seven years at Kirby Pines, where he made wonderful friends and where the kind and caring staff always made him feel at home.

A lifelong Memphian, Jim believed in giving back to his community through leadership and service. He was the past president of the White Station Optimist Club, the IBM Employees Club, and the Lamplighter Sunday school class at Christ Methodist Church. He also loved the many years he spent working at the FedEx St Jude Classic golf tournament. He valued the friendships he made through these organizations and the opportunities to serve others.

Those who knew Jim remember his warm personality, quick smile, his suspenders for all occasions, and his ability to make friends in so many different areas of his life. He was the best handyman around and loved fixing and building things, from the whole upstairs of his McElroy Cove home to his daughters’ science projects. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years, loved playing golf, as well as his many games of pool with his friends at Kirby Pines. He also loved to travel, he loved a good practical joke, he never passed up a good movie, he loved to bake chocolate chip cookies to give to his friends, and had a well-known fondness for ice cream and donuts.

While his accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. Whether it was a soccer, baseball, lacrosse game or a golf tournament, he loved traveling to Franklin and Tuscaloosa to watch his grandkids.

More than anything, Jim will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and businessman, whose kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. His legacy lives on through his family, his friends, and the countless people who were fortunate to know him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service will be held at Memphis Funeral Home Friday, July 17 at 2 PM with visitation prior to the service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St Jude Hospital or the library at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis.