James Lincoln Gordon

1960 - 2025

James Lincoln Gordon peacefully passed away on August 1, 2025 at the age of 65, after a valiant struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS). Jimmy was born to Marion (Cohen) Gordon and Efrem Gordon in Springfield, MA on March 3, 1960 and was raised in Alexandria, Virginia. Jimmy is survived by his long-time companion, Susan Quinn; her daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Michael Shore; and their boys who called him "Papa", Garrett and Tanner Shore. He was also the cherished brother of Lisa Gordon, Josh Gordon and Lewis Gordon and his wife Robin Gordon, nephews Ethan and Spencer Gordon and Jesse and Austin Dabbs, and his Uncle Bernard and his wife Sophia Gordon.

Jimmy started playing the harmonica at the tender age of 4. As years went on, he learned to play the guitar and several other instruments. Jimmy had become so talented from the love that he had poured into his passion for his music that by the age of 15 Jimmy was performing with music legends such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Bonnie Raitt. His dedication to pursuing music continued and he moved to Boston where he attended Berklee College of Music and Emerson College. In later years, Jimmy was drawn to Vermont to pursue his studies at Marlboro College. He then settled in southern Vermont living in Brattleboro, Vernon, and Bellows Falls.

Jimmy continued a lifelong journey embracing all aspects of music and entertaining. He immersed himself in the local music scene, playing with several local musicians and bands. He performed across the country on stages far and wide, including the Washington Mall with Bonnie Raitt and Carnegie Hall with J.J. Cale. He also wrote many songs and later recorded some of them on his own album "Come on Over", which was released in 1997. His second CD was released in 2009, "MS Blows". This CD was a compilation of 14 world-class harmonica players that each contributed tracks, at Jimmy's invitation, in an effort to raise money for MS charitable organizations. His track "Pocketful O'Soul", his homage to the harmonica, is recorded there.

As a member of the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of Harmonicas (SPAH), Jimmy was one of the few craftsmen in the country who customized and rebuilt harmonicas for professional players. He was invited to team up with Master Harmonica Technicians Joe Filisko and Richard Sleigh to learn their unique techniques of the Filisko Method Harmonicas.

Jimmy was widely recognized for his sharp wit, exceptional musical talents, and immense generosity. He enjoyed meeting new people, always eager to create new friendships and Jimmy treasured those connections always, some of his dearest friends being those from college days in Vermont. His laughter was contagious, ringing out with a warmth that seemed to brighten even the dullest days. In his childhood, Jimmy could effortlessly draw laughter from his siblings with his playful antics and clever jokes, showcasing a gift for humor that endeared him to everyone around him.

The celebration for and remembrance of Jimmy's life will be held at the Moose Lodge in Bellows Falls on October 19, beginning at 2:00. In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider supporting local musicians by attending their shows or purchasing their music. Your support will not only celebrate Jimmy's memory but also uplift the vibrant artistic community around us.