James Edward Gordon, a retired freight handler and accomplished woodworker, died of cancer Friday at Sandtown-Winchester Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The West Baltimore resident was 72.

Mr. Gordon was born and raised in Baltimore and graduated from Douglass High School. After serving in the Army from 1951 to 1952, he went to work as a freight handler for Mason-Dixon Trucking Co. at its Baltimore terminal. He retired in 1990.

The sound of his saw and swinging hammer filled the back yard of his Payson Street home, where he constructed picnic tables, chairs and doghouses he gave to family and friends. He also was a sign painter and had lettered many signs for neighborhood businesses.

Mr. Gordon was an avid gardener and was especially fond of roses.

Services were held yesterday.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, the former Mary Rice; four sons, Richard Gordon of Camden-Wyoming, Del., and Rick Gordon, Martin Gordon and Mike Gordon, all of Baltimore; three daughters, Vicky Franklin, Cassandra Gordon and Linda Gordon, all of Baltimore; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.