James Gordon Smith

With great sadness and heavy hearts we announce, James Gordon Smith, 75, passed away at home surrounded by his family after a battle with melanoma. A lifelong resident of Alamance County, Gordon was born on August 19, 1947, to Henry and Juanita Smith (both deceased).

At age 27, Gordon married the love of his life, Sandy Smith, and they were married for nearly 48 years at the time of his passing. She was truly the light of his life, and his deep love for her was evidenced by the fact that she was able to pry him away from Alamance County on dozens of occasions as they traveled the world. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Blair, Brandon, and Brittany, and it’s an understatement to say that Gordon was an involved father and made no secret of how proud he was of his children and their accomplishments. He was always in attendance at their various activities and sports, with referees often being made keenly aware of his passion for his kids and their endeavors.

Gordon spent his entire career in sales and was gifted in his craft. His genuine honesty, kindness, and depth of knowledge in his work earned the respect, trust, and in many cases, lifelong friendship of his customers.

While Gordon will be remembered for his gentleness, charming personality, and eagerness to help a friend, it is his humor – in many cases unintentional – that will leave a lasting impression on those closest to him. Gordon was a sports fanatic whose favorite pastime was sitting in his recliner surrounded by family while watching a game, especially Duke basketball. He also loved sharing jokes and stories with friends and family, hunting for a good bargain, eating Maine lobster rolls, and washing down southern food with Sandy’s sweet tea.

In his later years, Gordon loved spending time with his three grandchildren and was particularly fond of sneaking them desserts and teaching them “Southern sayings;” his grandchildren are likely the only kids in Hood River, Oregon and Boston, Massachusetts who commonly use phrases such as “smilin’ like a mule eatin’ briars.”

Gordon is survived by his wife Sandy Smith, son Blair Smith (wife, Michelle), son Brandon Smith (wife, Mishanagqus), daughter Brittany Smith and three grandchildren, Mack, Cooper and Weston. Gordon is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Craig and sisters-in-law, Cheryl Craig, Sandra Smith and Becky Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Smith and Robert Smith.

The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in the Rich & Thompson Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage all of Gordon's loved ones to donate in his honor to The Melanoma Research Foundation, https://melanoma.org.

 

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