Mr. James David Gordon, Sr.

James David Gordon, Sr., 97, of Decatur, Alabama, died Sunday, March 8, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born February 18, 1929, in Richmond, Virginia, the son of the late Howard Henley Gordon and Ethel Hindle Gordon. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond in 1947 and went on to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1951. While at Virginia Tech, he served as Drum Major of the Corps of Cadets Band and participated in the ROTC program.

After college, Jim was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served in the Army Anti-Aircraft Artillery from 1951 to 1953. During his service, he was stationed in New York and in Germany and was later promoted to First Lieutenant.

Following his military service, he began his career in the agricultural industry, first working for John D. Hindle, Inc., a farm machinery dealership, and later for General Motors Acceptance Corporation. He joined Allied Chemical Corporation in 1955, working in nitrogen sales across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

In 1959, he joined Gold Kist, Inc., the Atlanta-based farm supply and agricultural marketing cooperative, where he built a long and successful career that spanned more than three decades. During his time with Gold Kist, he held numerous leadership roles, including Regional Sales Manager for fertilizer, Plant Food Division Manager overseeing fertilizer procurement, production, and sales, Crops Division Manager responsible for fertilizer, chemicals, and seed, and Northwest Division Manager overseeing production, distribution, and retail sales. He retired from Gold Kist in 1990.

Jim was active in agricultural and industry organizations throughout his career. He served as President of the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society, the Alabama Soil Fertility Society, and the Alabama Council of Farmer Cooperatives. He also served on the boards of The Fertilizer Institute, Farmers Chemical Association, and CF Industries.

In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family. He was known as a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather and was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bobbie Christine Howell Gordon; his sons, James David Gordon, Jr. (Cindy) and Joseph Howard Gordon (Shannon); his daughter, Julie Gordon (Paul Wefald); and his grandsons, Kristopher Lane Hague, Jackson Wesley Gordon, and Carter “Duck” James Gordon.

A private graveside service for family members will be held March 12, 2026, with burial at Glenwood Cemetery in Thomaston, Georgia.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, quiet leadership, and deep love for his family. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Decatur, Alabama.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.