James "Carl" Gough was born on March 9th, 1937 to James D, and Arvetta (Sidwell) Gough in Kermit, TX. He passed away on July 17, 2024 in his home at the age of 87 years, 4 months, and 8 days.

Carl grew up in Kermit, TX where he attended Kermit High School. He graduated with the class of 1955. After high school, Carl enlisted in the Army were he served for two years as a cook. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, Carl began his career in the oil and natural gas industry. He started out as a rough neck and over the years progressed to management where he became a consultant engineer.

On August 13th 1968 in Springhill, Louisiana, Carl married Betty Jo Adams and with his two children Karla and James, Betty's two children Kay and Nancy, and the birth of Karen born his family began. Carl always said his work had him "follow the oil" which meant he lived in many states Texas to Louisiana, Utah, Wyoming, Oklahoma, California and New Guinea. He consulted in the Oil and Natural Gas industry for over 50 years and continued to do it until his health prevented him.

In his spare time, Carl enjoyed playing golf and watching it. He also had a green thumb for gardening and grew the most beautiful roses and enjoyed outdoor grilling and barbequing. Carl was a die hard Dallas Cowboy fan until they were losing. Carl loved listening to blues music including BB King and Wilson Pickett. When ever possible, Carl would take road trips and enjoyed the experience of exploring new places. He also could always be found watching old westerns on his television. Carl helped those in needs and would donate to families during the holidays. Carl was known for his love towards cats and was he was well known for feeding the entire population of cats in his neighborhood. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Carl was preceded in death parents, wife Betty Jo Gough, brother Don Gough, son James Edward Gough, grandchildren Brandon Lamb, C.J. Ledbetter, Lane Hall, and Chrystal Ledbetter.

He is survived by his daughters Karen Gough of Federal Way, Washington, Kay Ledbetter and Larry of Dill City, OK, Nancy Lamb and husband Mark of Coppell, TX, and Karla Waldrop of Stephenville, TX; grandchildren Larissa Kay Mason and husband Toby of Dill City, OK, Chris Hall and wife Carol of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Priscilla Simon and husband Randy of Elk City; great grandchildren Jaque Dodge and husband Chad of Texarkana, Andrew Simon of Shawnee, OK, McKenzie Simon of Elk City, OK, Jordan Newton and husband Malachi of Mustang, OK; Jaron Mason of Dill City, OK, Chrystal Jo Hall of Missouri, Brylee Lane Hall and Addison Marie Hall; and great great grandchild Asher Dodge of Texarkana, TX; brother Darrell Gough of Carls Bad, NM: sister Zoann Wilson of Midland TX; and his dearest friend and son Rick Miles; many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.