James Gordon Dorr was born October 16, 1948, in Muskogee, OK to James L. and Jacqueline Charlene (Houx) Dorr. He was a member of the graduating class of Wagoner High School in 1966 and completed his education at Northeastern State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Gordon dreamt of becoming an Air Force pilot but was sidetracked when a hearing problem was found. He simply changed course and proudly served in the United States Army. As a member of the medical branch, he was named Soldier of the Month several times.

His endurance and intelligence played a part in his work life as well. Gordon was employed at Norriseal in Tulsa and Houston for thirty-one years. He was a butterfly valve specialist known throughout the United States and Mexico. The respect and affection shown by his work family are a testament to Gordon's character.

The love of Gordon's life has been his wife of 54 years, the former Dona Gayle Kennedy, whom he married on January 16, 1971. They lived their lives together with respect and dedication rarely found. An example of this can be found in their work in the Wagoner Playhouse Association for twenty years. They acted, built sets and helped with dinners. Dona shared how Gordon loved acting in the plays. They were lovingly known by their nieces and nephews as Uncle Gordie and Aunt Noni, and they found so much joy in watching them grow up.

Gordon departed this life at their rural Wagoner home on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the age of 76 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Charlene Dorr and his parents-in-law, Donald Dean and Betty Kennedy.

His loving family who survive him include his devoted wife, Dona Dorr; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Vickie Kennedy; niece Christa (Kennedy) Kempenich and husband, Scott Kempenich, their daughter, Gracie Kempenich and son, Jaxon Kempenich and his wife, Kaitlyn Kempenich, and their infant daughter, Emry Ruth; nephew, Dr. Jarod Kennedy and wife, Melanie Kennedy and their daughter, Addison Kennedy and son, Tug Kennedy; Gordon's numerous Dorr and Houx cousins; other extended family and friends.

A private inurnment will be held with respect to Gordon's wishes.

Friends and family will gather to share memories and comfort in honor of Gordon's life at a memorial reception, which will be held from 4 pm until 6 pm on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Mallett Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church, 415 NE 2nd Street, Wagoner, OK  74467.