Fr. James Gordon, I.C.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Fr. James Gordon I.C., of the Ireland–USA Province, who returned to the Lord on August 13, 2025 in Seminole, Florida, at the age of 82, after 65 years of Religious Life.

Born in Belfast on October 30, 1942, to John and Rose Francis, Fr. Gordon entered the Rosminian Novitiate in Kilmurry, County Cork in 1959, making his Triennial Vows in 1961 at Glencomeragh, County Tipperary and his Perpetual Vows in 1964 in Clonmel, where he also served as Prefect. He was ordained as a priest of the Institute of Charity (Rosminian Order) on June 7, 1969, in Waterford, serving first in Peoria, USA, before taking his Spiritual Coadjutor vows in 1971. In 1973, he was appointed as Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole, Florida and would be appointed as Pastor in 1978, serving the community as its leader for 39 years before his retirement in 2017.

Fr. Gordon spent the majority of his ministry in the United States, most especially at Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he served as parish priest for over four decades. He is remembered for his pastoral dedication, steady faith, generosity, and tireless service to the people entrusted to his care. Even in his later years, though living with illness, his gentle witness inspired those around him.

He is survived by his brother, Anthony (Anna) Gordon, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Rosminian family gives thanks for his life of generous service and asks for your prayers for the repose of his soul.

God of mercy, we who receive the sacraments of salvation pray for Father John Gordon, your servant and priest. You made him a minister of your mysteries on earth. May he rejoice in the full knowledge of your truth in Heaven. May he rest in eternal peace. Amen

Funeral services will take place at, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 11565 66th Avenue North, Seminole, Florida. A viewing will be held on Friday, August 22nd, 2025, from 2pm – 4pm and then 5pm – 8pm with a prayer service at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, at 10am. Following Mass, Fr. Gordon will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Avenue North, Clearwater, Florida. Live Streaming coverage of the Funeral Mass may be viewed on the Blessed Sacrament Parish Website at the following link: bscchurch.com - click on Daily Mass Videos.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Fr. Gordon’s memory to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Seminole, Florida.