James Gordon Obituary in Orangeburg at Simmons Funeral Home

Obituary For James Gordon

James “Jimmy” Gordon Jr. was born July 29, 1941 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Jimmy’s love and passion of life didn’t end with his death. He passed away on November 30, 2020 at National Health Care in Columbia, South Carolina after several months of declining health.

He was preceded by loving parents, James and Lily Stroman Gordon. Jimmy graduated from Wilkinson High School in 1958 and attended South Carolina State University before joining the United States Army in 1960, he amassed numerous accomplishments over his twenty-four-year career retiring at the rank of First Sergeant. After a stellar military career to include tours in Vietnam and various leadership positions overseas and stateside. He returned to Orangeburg and served as ROTC Instructor at SC State University. In 1984, he was appointed Director of Orangeburg-Calhoun County Detention Center receiving numerous accolades for the added innovations to the center. Later, Jimmy started his company Gordon’s Investigation and Bail Bond Company retiring in 2015.

In 1977, he married the love of his life, the former Ute Muller of Bremen Haven, Germany (deceased, March 31, 2018). Jimmy met Ute while stationed in Frankfurt Germany; it was love at first sight. James is survived and will leave a memorable legacy to his daughter Jean and her husband Tad Thornley of Anaheim, California; son Robert and wife Cynthia Thompson Gordon of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Angelia Gordon of Kellen, Texas and niece Christine Anderson of Los Angeles, California, as well as eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jimmy was predeceased by his sister Jerlees.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Jimmy. He was a big fan of SC State Bulldogs football team, especially the halftime show with their infamous marching band. He loved fishing on Lake Marion especially when his grandson was in town to visit. Jimmy had an uncanny ability to find happiness in his daily activities. His favorite pastime was watching 1950-60s westerns and detective shows, listening to his Jazz and Motown collection along with a tasteful love for a glass of German wine or aged Scotch on the rocks. After vowing to remain a Charlotte Hornets fan, his son turned him into a San Antonio Spurs follower attending several games with him. He enjoyed spending time with friends, shooting the breeze, and telling hilarious jokes. His pleasant personality was contagious to everyone he met. Meeting new people when and where ever he travelled, his kind smile and infectious personality was an attribute to all he would embrace. He was an amazing person who will be missed by all that knew and loved him. May Jimmy rest in peace in the hand of our Lord and Savior.

Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 4-7pm at Simmons Funeral Home, 2868 Columbia Rd NE in Orangeburg. Interment with wife Ute will be at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd., Columbia, SC, Friday December 11, 2020 at 11:00am. In lieu of sending flowers, the family request that you honor Jimmy’s memory by donating to Veterans of Foreign Wars, PO Box 1702 Orangeburg SC, 29116 or the American Red Cross, 2751 Bull St, Columbia, SC.

Friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg, SC.

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions.

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Today is December 21 and I am just reading Mr. Gordon's obituary. I met him when I was teaching at OCDC. He had a wonderful personality that drew you in immediately. May God continue to bless his family with happy memories. Linda L. Brown-Orangeburg, SC

Today is December 21 and I just read Mr. Gordon's obituary. I met him while teaching at the OCDC. He had a personality that drew people to him immediately. May God continue to bless his family with wonderful memories.

Remarkable man, Jim and I would talk many times when he checked his mailbox. I was a neighbor and we both had fun swapping Army stories. I will miss you, rest in peace my friend. Sincerely-Gene Gartman, Jr.

Jimmy was a kind and loving person. Even as a kid when I went with my parents Myrtle and Cecile to Rowesville,S C to visit family, Jimmy was my cousin and playmate. He always showed love and made me laugh. We will miss him.--Cecile

I was very sad to here of "Jimmy's passing. We were friends from high and renewed our friendship when he and Ute moved back to ORANGEBURG. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family. He and Ute will always remain in my heart.
Elaine J.Jones, Columbia, S C.

I will truly miss you, you were always coming to Florida to visit me. I spoke to him a few days before his death, He was happy. My prayers are with the family. Cousin, Naomi PM

To the Family of the Late James 'Jimmy' Gordon as Ute so lovingly called him. My heart was saddened to read of Jimmy's and Ute's passing. Truly they both were the love of each other life. I worked with Ue at Mayer Industries and enjoyed many Christmas gatherings in their home. Other than work, Ute Gordon always talked about her Jimmy Gordon, the children and especially the grands. Again, I am so sorry to hear of their demise. Hold fast to the memories God gives and know that death is just a transition from earthly life to heavenly glory with great hope to see them again ... Blessings, Margaret Stokes, Covington, GA