James R. "Jim" Gordon

James R. “Jim” Gordon, 88, of New Cumberland, PA, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at his residence. He was the son of the late Charles and Lillian (Thomas) Gordon, born on July 3, 1936, in Stephens City, VA.

Jim was a hard worker all his life, spending long hours farming with his family in his youth and then working as a trash collector for the city of Harrisburg, PA. The most fulfilling years of work came when employed with WITF, Hershey, where he was a driver, but did just about anything and everything asked—he was a cameraman, floor manager, extra, and just about everything in between. He would drive truck for a couple other firms before retiring from Maislin Trucking Company, Lancaster. Jim was a longtime member of Teamsters Local 776.

When he was 17, he met the love of his life and future wife, Donna; the two would raise a family and live a faith-filled life together. Jim was family-oriented and lots of fun, spearheading family camping trips and local hunting expeditions, as well as making his famous mac and cheese for any special event. He also treated his kids to the perks of his employment at WITF (meeting everyone from the Three Stooges to Iron Butterfly). He and Donna were active members of New Cumberland Alliance Church, and for a time, worked together for Claude C. Wolfe & Associates, where they traveled to different auction sites, taking care of setup and tear down. He was easy going with a great sense of humor, and he always put family first. Jim was the consummate role model for his children, showing them how to work hard, honor their spouse, and follow the Lord.

Surviving Jim is his wife and best friend of 70 years, Donna (Thomas) Gordon; his children, James R. Gordon II (Cheryl) of Colonial Park, PA, Randy Gordon of Mount Juliet, TN, Terry Gordon of Madison, TN, Dwayne Gordon (Sherry) of New Cumberland, PA, and Dolleen Fratangeli of Mechanicsburg, PA; grandchildren, Ian Gordon (Becky), Christy Lancaster, Ryan Gordon, Ashley Gordon, Olivia Fratangeli, and Caleb Fratangeli; great-grandchildren, Jonathan Ratzlaff, Tomas Lankford, Kendal Gordon, and Kaylin Gordon; and a sister, Joyce Whire. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Michael Lancaster, Brent James Fratangeli and Adam John Fratangeli; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Gordon; and six siblings, Millie Spangler, Pete Gordon, Jane Walters, Alice Kurtz, Alvin Gordon, and Doug Gordon.

A funeral service will be held at 12PM on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at New Cumberland Alliance Church, Fairview Twp., with a viewing taking place from 10AM until services begin in the church. Burial will immediately follow in Tri-County Memorial Gardens, Lewisberry.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Jim’s name to his church: New Cumberland Alliance Church, 148 Spanglers Mill Road, New Cumberland, PA 17070.