James Gordon, who held various positions in the University’s journalism program from 1959 to 1992, died on Feb. 14 after a brief illness.

He was 82.

Gordon was noted for building the University’s photojournalism program during the 80s. Director of Student Media Robert Bortel said Gordon was a mentor to him during his time as a graduate student.

Gordon trained some of the most talented photojournalists practicing today, Bortel said.

“His legacy will be his passion for photography,” Bortel said. “He was like a father to me early in my career.”

After his first retirement in 1992, Gordon served as editor of News Photographer, the magazine of the National Press Photographers Association, until he retired again in 2003.

A public visitation for Gordon will take place on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home on 408 W. Wooster. Funeral services will take place on Friday at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church.