Carl J. "Jack" Gordon, Jr. collection

Collection

Identifier: MPC-JG

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

The Jack Gordon Collection contains materials relating to the life and career of Mississippi State Senator Carl J. "Jack" Gordon, Jr. The collection contains newspaper clippings focusing on Gordon's legislative career, political campaign materials, constituent correspondence, personal tributes, family photographs, and a variety of awards and certificates. The collection encompasses 7 cubic feet of material, including oversized photographs, certificates, and plaques.

Dates

1955 - 2012
Majority of material found within 1976 - 2011

Creator

Gordon, Carl J. "Jack", Jr., 1944-2011 (Person)

Biographical Note

Senator Carl J. “Jack” Gordon, Jr., holds the distinction of being the second-longest serving Mississippi legislator, serving 36 years - eight in the Mississippi House of Representatives and 28 in the State Senate. Senator Gordon was honored to serve under the leadership of eight governors, serving during his tenure as Chairman of Appropriations, Education, Public Employees & Retirement and Buildings & Grounds committees.

With a heart for education, Senator Gordon helped mold the 1982 Education Reform Act providing for public kindergartens and was instrumental in improving Mississippi’s community colleges and universities. Dedicated to community base services, he helped establish mental health group homes and crisis prevention centers around his home state. Improving Mississippi’s transportation system and those who protect our roads was also a passion. In 1981, Senator Gordon was appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board where, at the time of his death, he was serving as Treasurer.

A longtime businessman, Senator Gordon owned Polyfoam Manufacturing, Tupelo Oil, Bessemer Petroleum and various real estate properties. He was a member of the Okolona Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Exchange Club and the Chickasaw Development Foundation.

Senator Gordon was born in 1944. A graduate of Mississippi State University, he loved the Bulldogs, enjoying sports and supporting academics. In March 2011, Senator Gordon was honored with the founding of the Jack Gordon Scholarship which provides an opportunity for students to attend Mississippi State. He passed away in May 2011.

He loved his family and enjoyed campaigning, being at the beach and riding around his farmland. Living life to the fullest with a quick joke, a flashing smile and a heart of gold, Senator Gordon inspired life, character and determination in his family and friends.