James D. Gordon, 77, of Van Wert, died at 10:55 p.m., Tuesday at the CHP Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born on December 8, 1936, in Wabash, Indiana, the son of the late Gerald "Slim" and Io (Barsoda) Gordon. On July 17, 1956, he married the former Caralee Weller who preceded him in death on April 22, 1998. Family survivors include his daughter, Lori A. (Tim) Waltz of Van Wert; two sons, Gerald M. (Joy) Gordon of Van Wert, and Forest L. (Toni) Gordon of Van Wert; seven grandchildren, Lindsey (Brad) Balliet, Larissa (Kyle) Anderson, Jessica (Dain) Stauffer, Amber Waltz, Ben Waltz , Darby (Eric) Schwieterman and Hayley Waltz; ten great grandchildren; and a brother, Bob (Betty) Gordon of Van Wert. Jim was a graduate of Peru High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He had worked at Ley Equipment Company and retired from Aeroquip (Eaton) in 2000 with 23 years of service. He was a former member of the Van Wert County Sheriff's Auxiliary, a member of the Tri-state Gun Collectors Association, Van Wert Outdoorsmen's Association and life member of the National Rifle Association. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2014, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Lumm officiating. Interment will follow at Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the CHP Inpatient Hospice Center or the Van Wert Senior Citizens Center.