James Rodger Gordon

James Rodger Gordon of Manson, IA, passed away on March 2, 2022, at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 84. Visitation will be Monday, March 7, 2022, from 4 to 6:30 at the Larson-Weishaar Funeral Home in Manson. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul American Lutheran Church with Reverend Peter Rosenkvist officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with a luncheon following at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Jim was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on May 7, 1937. He grew up in Manson on the family farm with his parents, Roscoe and Thyra Gordon. As an only child, Jim started farming at the age of 13 when his father suffered a stroke. His mother always said that Jim had to become a man at a young age and lost a lot of his childhood. But Jim never felt that way because of his love for farming. After Jim’s graduation from Manson High School, he met Connie Marie Barnes. They were married May 17, 1959, and were blessed with two children, Katherine and Kevin. During this time, Jim became employed with the Illinois Central Railroad as an engineer. In later years, he often said he couldn’t wait to get to work because he loved running the engine and especially the people he worked with. Between farming and the railroad, Jim always made time to be a good husband and father. He retired from the railroad after 38 years and continued farming.

Jim’s mornings consisted of going to Cubby’s for breakfast and enjoying the company of friends while there. He rarely said where he was going, you would just see his vehicle drive down the lane. We all knew we’d see him again in 15 minutes to an hour later. Jim had a love for animals and would often call them “The Buttson’s”. He also had a love for sweets. If it was bad for you, he was probably eating it. Jim had a very big heart and always cared for people. He was quick to give and never expected anything in return.

Life was good, but we all know life can throw you some curves. In a few short years, Jim experienced many health issues. He suffered from kidney failure, cancer, a heart attack, and then lost the function of his new kidney through open heart surgery. Through all of this, Jim kept his sense of humor and remained a strong fighter.

Jim is survived by his wife Connie of Manson, IA, daughter Katherine Poppinga (David) of Boerne, TX, and son Kevin Gordon (Jen) of Gowrie, IA, and grandchildren Ashley Butler (Tony) of Spencer, IA, Andrew Adams of San Antonio, TX, Mason Gordon of Gowrie, IA, Justin Poppinga of Fort Worth, TX, Danielle Sibbitt of Fort Dodge, IA, Lincoln Sibbitt of St. Louis, MO and great grandchildren Brock and Hailee Butler of Spencer, IA.

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