James Lee Gammon

GAMMON James Lee Gammon (June 30, 1941 to March 12, 2011), "The Wizard of Bonds", died last weekend from compl-ications associated with his heart. According to Smith's Research and Grading, "He is one of the most important figures in municipal finance during the past 50 years. His record speaks for itself: Mr. Gammon was simply one of the best buyers in the business ever." Mr. Gammon was born and raised in Council Bluffs, IA. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School, and graduated from University of Nebraska in Omaha. Growing up, Mr. Gammon loved politics, history, debating and in college was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. In his later years, he loved taking care of his yard, going to Broadway shows, reading science fiction books and collecting Steuben glass. Mr. Gammon always worked hard, often 12 hour days. He worked for General Electric Investment Corporation for 20 years and nine years as Senior Vice-President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Loews/CNA Holdings, Inc. He then became president of Lebenthal Asset Management. Mr. Gammon consistently posted Number 1 total returns for one-year, three-year and five-year investments, according to Lipper Analytics. He was a past member of the Municipal Analysts Group of New York and the National Federation of Municipal Analysts (NFMA). The NFMA awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. Mr. Gammon was an inspiration to many people. His generosity was well known. Importantly, he never asked for thanks or praise for the kind deeds that he did. His thanks was knowing that he helped someone. He rejoiced in the successes of others. Mr. Gammon donated often to Council Bluffs' Broadway Christian Church and Jennie Edmundson Hospital, as well as other worthy causes. He often helped people get jobs and mentored young people in general. James L. Gammon is survived by his wife of 45 years, Frances (Fairfield, CT), and his son Matthew (Orlando, FL). His mother Hazel, sister Ruth, and Ruth's husband Ron live in Council Bluffs, IA. His niece and nephews, Christopher Massey, Deborah and Nadeem Ahmad, William McIver, and Scott Musgrove, live in North Richland Hills, TX. His family would prefer donations sent to: Jennie Edmundson Hospital Foundation Memorial for James L. Gammon, 933 East Pierce Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503. Mr. Gammon spent hundreds of hours in this hospital as a child with asthma and this money will be used to help people with breathing issues. Private services were entrusted to the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, of Fairfield Center. To sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.