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.
