James Clinton Gordon

James “Jim” Clinton Gordon

With sadness in our hearts our family announces the passing of James C. Gordon on November 13, 2026. Jim was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law and friend to many.

Following a ‘long goodbye’, Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lake life. Born on September 26, 1945, he was the son of late Clarence (CC), and Beulah Gordon. Jim graduated from Lincoln Southeast in 1963. After moving to Park Rapids, MN, he attended Bemidji College and became a true lake person.

Jim and Patsy were married August 1970 at the Methodist Chapel on Fish Hook Lake in Park Rapids. Shortly after, they moved to Silver Bay, MN where they both worked at Reserve Mining Company until 1987. They welcomed an opportunity to live and work in Duluth, MN where they resided until their retirement in 2004. He served with the Army National Guard in Park Rapids and Duluth, Mn.

Jim was a devoted father who dedicated countless hours supporting his children. He loved watching his daughter figure skate, making trips to Duluth for her lessons. He also spent lots of time at the Portman ice rink with his son who played hockey. Jim loved flooding the Portman rink, coaching, and making new friends - even though he never actually learned to skate himself.

Cabin life was Jim’s true passion. He loved water skiing, fishing, bon fires, and thoroughly enjoying the outdoors alongside his lakeside neighbors. Jim was also a proud member of the Mantrap Valley Conservation Club.

Jim spent 20+ wonderful years of retirement living at their cabin on the lake every day and spending winters in Arizona with his cousins. As Jim would say, “What could be better!”

Jim is survived by his wife Patsy, daughter Sarah Ching (Todd), his son Brian (Beth), and his cherished grandchildren David and Elsie Ching and Blake and Benjamin Gordon. He is also survived by many cousins, his brothers-in-law; Linn, Doyle and Bob Bolton and sister-in-law Carol Knutson (Dan), and his nieces and their families: Carissa, Courtney, Stephanie and Melissa.

“FISH ON!”

Celebration of Life

A celebration of life will be held at the Mantrap Valley Conservation Club near Park Rapids in the summer of 2027. Date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to “Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area.”

PO Box 465, Park Rapids, MN 56470