Gordon A. James, Sr. age 73 of Keshena, began his journey to the Spirit World on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano.
Gordon was born on July 28, 1946, in Keshena to the late Dennison and Mary Jane (Askenette) James, Sr. He attended the Shawano elementary and middle schools, receiving his GED later in life. On March 26, 1969, he was united in marriage to Leone Wilber in Gresham. Gordy was a hardworking man. He worked at the Neenah Foundry for a few years, followed by a long and distinguished career at Menominee Tribal Enterprises. Gordy retired in August of 2018, having worked for 43 years and holding most of the positions MTE had to offer. He was also on the Board of Directors for Menominee Tribal Enterprises for many years.
Gordy was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit. He served on the parish council, and was known for being at church long before anyone else arrived. Gordy was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his younger years he was known for having good moving feet in the boxing ring, as he was named a Golden Glove Boxer. He was also talented on the dance floor. Gordy was a loving family man who enjoyed playing Bingo on Sundays with his daughters, fishing on Evergreen Stream with his sons, or sitting outside on a swing with his wife of 50 years, reminiscing. They used to sneak away for an evening in Carter to have dinner and gamble, or to spend time at the James’ family lake lot. He loved watching the Packers. Now whether that was a good thing his family would probably beg to differ! The most important thing to Gordy was having his family close and together as much as possible, especially during the holidays.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Leone; his children, Gordon Pocan, Gordon James, Jr., Richard James, Marlin James, Karen (Jeremy Penass) James, Denise (Steve) Crowe, Pat Peters, Randy (Rose) Peters, and Kandi Peters; 40 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; Godchildren, Dyan Anderson and Jeff Wilber, Sr.; his son-in-law, Joseph Peters; his siblings, Karen Wilber, Melvin “Mousie” (Sherry) James, Robert “Bobby” James, Anthony “Smelly” James, Diane (John “Lunchie”) Boivin, David (Bridgett) James, Stanley “Bull” (Patti) James, and Glenda (Dale) Kaquatosh; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Gordy was preceded in death by his daughter, Jessie James; son, Tracy Peters; granddaughters, Gwendlyn and Amber Peters, and Christy Kiny;grandson, Albert “Mothers” Peters, Jr.; sister, Violet “Jitter” (Robert) Tucker, Sr.; brothers, Dennison “Tonto” James, Jr., Marvin “Joe Brown” James, and Richard James; and his brothers-in-law, Clifford Wilber and William “Snooky” Wilber; and his special aunt, Josephine “Baby Girl” Askenette.
A Funeral Mass for Gordon A. James, Sr. will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit. Fr. Joel Jores will be the Celebrant. Visitation will begin on Monday, December 9, 2019 after 4:00 PM at the Neopit Community Center, and will continue until the time of Mass on Wednesday.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements.
