James "Jim" Cortez
Gough
July 29, 1961 - January 9, 2025
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of James (Jim) Cortez Gough, of Florence, AL. Jim peacefully passed away on January 9, 2025. A remembrance of his life will be held at a later date.
Jim was born July 29, 1961, in Florence, AL to Bill & Jane Gough.
Jim graduated from Coffee High School in 1979. In 1983, Jim received his marketing and accounting degrees from UNA, and later his MBA.
Jim began working for the Anderson Companies in 1991, including the last 25 years at TNT Fireworks. He developed very close friendships with his TNT family.
Jim was so easily liked with his calm demeanor, kindness and positive outlook on life. He saw the best in everyone he met.
Jim was a sports enthusiast and especially loved Alabama football and the Boston Red Sox. He also was a big Bruce Springsteen fan and attended over 25 shows since first seeing him in 1981 in Starkville, MS.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, William M. Gough Sr., and his nephew William M. Gough lll.
Jim is survived by his wife, Cara Lee Gough; mother, Jane B. Gough; brother, William M. Gough Jr. (Vanessa); sisters, Kim B. Noriega (Rene) and Karen S. Goins; father-in-law, Jack Hardwick; and many nephews and nieces. Jim is also survived by many close friends.
Special thanks go to Dr. Edsel Holden ll, who guided and was always available to us for the past 2½ years.
Special thanks, at the risk of leaving someone out, go to our friends who have constantly been by our side for more than two years. These friends, who are also considered family, include in no specific order: Terry Anderson, Peter Yu, Kathie Pendergrass, Tommy Glasgow, Kevin & Janet Wood, David & Kaka Ray, Chris & Barry Hamilton, Dan & Nan Casteel, Dinah & Steve Rhodes, Lynda Darby, Stacey White, Tina Moore, Carl (Buggy) Ross, Jerry & Cindy Felts, Mike Russell, Rebecca Spring, Sherri Glover, David Lundin, Blaine & Janna Childers, Jerry & Laura Leavitt, Krystal Olbon, Hannah Rothstein, and all of Jim’s “Demon Brothers” (inside joke).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shylee Smiles Foundation (shyleesmiles.com) or the Florence Public Library.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family.
No services listed.
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9 Comments on “James "Jim" Cortez Gough”
So sorry to hear this news. Jim was a great guy. We went to Coffee together but I actually was around him more after high school. To the family my deepest sympathies. I will be praying for you.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. He was a fine man and he will be missed greatly.
God bless,
Ken Irons
I’m so very sorry to hear this. Jim was a wonderful friend. Sending prayers and love to Cara, Mrs. Gough, Bill, Karen, Kim and all his family and friends.
So sorry to hear this news of Jim passing, my prayers go out to the family. 🙏🙏
Jim was such a sweet and caring man. He was my first grade teacher’s husband. I will never forget his kind smile and warm hospitality whenever I would visit. He will be missed. 😢 praying for his family and friends during this difficult time.
I remember Jim as a calm, cool, and smooth dude at Coffee High School and I know that he will be missed greatly. I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Gough family and I pray that God continues to strengthen and give you peace.
So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Even though we never met face to face, working with him for so many years we developed a friendship that I will never forget. He was such a kind man, I will miss our daily conversations we had through the busy fireworks season. Prayers to Cara & his family during this time. 🙏🙏
Sorry to hear Jim passed. Condolences to his family and friends. He’ll certainly be missed! God bless!