Gordon K James Sr (87) of Elgin, Illinois, formerly of Itasca, Illinois and Albany, New York, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
Gordon was born to Charles Howard and Mabel Mary James on July 8, 1936 in Albany, New York. He enjoyed playing and watching sports, especially baseball. He loved being outdoors and often recalled his summers spent at the family’s Nassau camp in his youth.
Upon graduating from Cathedral Academy, he began his career with Montgomery Ward in Menands, New York. He was promoted and transferred to Montgomery Ward headquarters in Chicago where he was employed as a merchandiser until his retirement in 2000.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Van Buren, on July 6, 1955. They remained each other’s lifelong loves, separated only by her passing in 1999.
Gordon is survived by his four adult children: Gordon Jr, Cheryl (Joe) Lampinen, Gregory (Jennifer), Christine, and his grandchildren: Eva, Nathan, and Hanna.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Gordon will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law Joyce.
In life he was known for his love of family, his words of encouragement, and his sense of humor.
In addition to Carol, he was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Herb, Don, and baby C. Howard Jr.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 9-11am with a funeral service at 11am all at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL Burial will be at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
“Unable are the loved to die; for love is immortality.” - Emily Dickinson. From my family to t ties, our deepest sympathies. You are in our healing prayers.
So very sorry for your loss and pray you are comforted. Mr James was a very sweet guy. He was so very brave during his final illness. May you be consoled by wonderful memories and remembrances of a life well lived.
May God bless you with peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your father. Thinking of you and your family.
We have been following Mr James during his brave fight against his recent illness. He loved his children and extended family unconditionally and those memories will console you during this difficult time. He is now in heaven with the Lord. We send our prayers for God to bless you and calm you.
Gordon was a gentle soul with a wonderful smile. We thought the world of him.... And in ways large and small, he is a part of you, Cheryl, Gordie, Greg and Christine. We are sending the family love. Praying for your comfort.
So sorry for your loss, Cheryl and your brothers and sisters and the others who loved your father. Part of your history has passed, but you do have memories to cherish and lift you up, I know. I'm thinking of all of you fondly.
Our deepest sympathy to all the James family! He will be missed! Love, Kathy and Frank