James Michael "Mike" Gores

James Michael "Mike" Gores, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away on September 10, 2025 in Floral City, Florida surrounded by his family. Mike was born on March 11, 1951 in Brooksville, Florida to his late parents Frank William Gores and Marie (Squicciarino) Gores.

The youngest of two boys, Mike was raised in true southern fashion where he learned to hone his enthusiasm for the outdoors from his father. Wild game hunting, fishing, and boating became his dedicated life-long passions. He had a gentle yet keen knowledge of the natural world and openly shared his expertise with his close friends, family, and eventually his three grandchildren.

Mike delighted in serving meals of home cooked venison spaghetti or freshly caught trout – each with a side of his own garden grown vegetables – robust collard greens or his tender leafy romaine. No one ever left his table hungry and always went home with hearty leftovers for days.

After his retirement, Mike fished more than ever, and perfected the art of fly fishing while vacationing in the Georgia and Carolina mountains. Among the brooks and streams, he made it his mission to catch all three local river trout: Brook, Brown, and Rainbow. There he also caught the love of his current wife, Leitha. They happily married April 9, 2009 in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and then he promptly pulled on his waders, grabbed his fly rod, and went fishing!

Mike is survived by his devoted wife Leitha Gores, daughters Rachel Fogarty-Oleson and Ragan (Mike) Parker, grandson Aidan Fogarty and granddaughters Avery and Emilia Parker.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Frank William Gores, his mother, Marie Squicciarino Gores, and his brother, Frank Arthur Gores.

A private Celebration of Life will be hosted by his daughters on Saturday, September 27, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honor Mike's memory by spending time outdoors – planting a tree, or simply appreciating the beauty of nature.