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GATLING, Jim, 51, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, died suddenly August 12, 2013. He was born in Brunswick, GA on August 20, 1961. He grew up in Spartanburg, SC, where he was an avid skateboarder and Eagle Scout. He attended Auburn University, where he received his B.A. and M.A. in history. He worked for a few years at the U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency before becoming a teacher. He received his M. Ed. and Ed. S. from Auburn Montgomery and was a National Board Certified Teacher. He loved history and politics, reading, and the Beatles. Most of all, he loved the many students whose lives he touched in over 20 years of teaching in Montgomery and Tallassee. He is survived by his father, David Lawrence (Charlotte) Gatling; his son, John Gatling; and his former wife, Debbie Pendleton. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in his honor to Auburn University History Department, Montgomery Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.
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I knew him as Jimmy from when we grew up in Woodland Heights. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He seems to have touch the lives of many over the years and he will live on through them. Rest in peace old friend.
Brian Hightower
November 30, 2013
Jim.....or to me/Dr. Detroit..... was a great friend and collegue at Auburn University.
I will miss him very much.
Debbie and John; we are thinking about you.
David Rosenblatt
David Rosenblatt
August 20, 2013
Debbie, Jim touched many lives with his teaching and left this world a better place. He will be missed. Please know that you and John are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jeff and Carol Jakeman
August 19, 2013
Mr. Gatling touched my life and I will never forget him. He made history come alive and because of his dynamic teaching I majored in Anthropology. Great man that will truly be missed.
Andee Porterfield
August 19, 2013
My daughter Nora graduated from LAMP in 2012. When relaying the news to me, she said that she never had Mr. Gatling because they switched him to 11th grade before she entered 12th but she said that she would talk to him all the time and that he was THE nicest person. She was so sad to hear of his passing and that one of the good guys was gone. We wish the family comfort in good memories. He obviously made such a huge impact and will never be forgotten. The seeds of kindness and learning that he planted will continue.
Amy Brown
August 19, 2013
Keeping your family and Jim in our prayers. Jim Gatling was a special and unique teacher and a wonderful person...a favorite of our whole family from our LAMP experience. We'll never forget him.
The Ceponis family
August 18, 2013
Jim was one of those rare teachers who actually paid attention to his student's needs. He made all the difference in the world for Caity, and renewed my faith in the educational system. He was funny and witty and just an incredible person. He is missed.
Lisa Lenox
Lisa Lenox
August 17, 2013
David and Charlotte, we are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time in your lives.
Dick & Pat Suggs
August 17, 2013
Thinking and praying for all of you through this very trying time… Jimmy will be truly missed!
David and Cindy
August 17, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Chris and ConnieLynn Gonzalez
August 16, 2013
Lifting all of you up to our Heavenly Lord and praying for His peace and understanding to fill your hearts and minds.
Sandra Nickel
August 16, 2013
Mary Anne and Donald Gonzalez
August 16, 2013
Dear Debbie & John,
I was so shocked and saddened to read of Jim's early passing. Varner still speaks fondly of Jim, saying he was a favorite teacher of his at Floyd. May your happy memories help to comfort you in this most difficult of times. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa
Lisa Bannister
August 16, 2013
I am praying for your family and your loss. Jim was a co-worker of mine at Southside Side Middle School, Tallassee, AL. He was always so much fun to be around. He also taught both of my children and made a great impression on their Middle School Years. Even though our loss feels deep, I know his family has many more memories and I pray you remember all of the good ones and know peace in his memory in the future.
Ann Stuedeman
August 15, 2013
I know that Jim will be missed by so many. It was wonderful knowing him and having worked with him. He will be missed by many.
Ida Turner
August 15, 2013
sorry to hear about our friend Jimmy
Andrew Danfy
Spartanburg
August 15, 2013
Mr G was one of my all time favorite teachers. A spunky and creative guy he was and will be missed by all. Glad I was able to encounter such a great teacher!
Lindsey Atchison
August 15, 2013
He was a wonderful and caring man. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family.
Deborah Enriquez
August 15, 2013
John, I was so sorry to hear of your father's death. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Becke Blanton
August 15, 2013
My years of teaching at Southside Middle school was enriched by Mr. Gatling. He became a friend and remained one even after he left Tallassee. He continued to touch his students' hearts. I always told my son "I am waiting for you to get Mr. Gatling." I am so thankful that he did get him as a teacher this past year! So many in Tallassee remember him and his brilliant mind and outstanding classroom presence. Our hearts are heavy to hear about his tragic passing.
Mahua Ghosh
August 15, 2013
Mr. Gatling was an incredible teacher. He made learning fun and easy--definitely one of my favorites! Rest easy sir.
Machin McHargue
August 15, 2013
Praying for Mr. Gatling's family! He was truly one of the best teachers at Tallassee. I always enjoyed his class even though I thoroughly disliked history. He will always be remembered. Tallassee High class of 97
Allison King Estes
August 15, 2013
Mr Gatling was one of the few teachers I remembrer to this day. Thats saying alot about a teacher. He touched many lives for the good. RIP. One of my favorite teachers by far.
David Ross
August 15, 2013
Mr. Gatling was one of my favorite teachers of all time. He made history fun! His class was the only one besides P.E. that I actually looked forward to. I could always tell that he truly cared about all of his students. He had so much passion for teaching. To Mr. Gatling's family....... you are all in my prayers. God bless you all!
Jeremy Brantley
August 15, 2013
God bless all of you in Jim's passing...Special blessings for John...With my love, Sharon
Sharon Latour
August 15, 2013
I will miss you, as will all of your students who loved you. You have such a great spirit that is sure to live on.
Madelyn Litchfield
August 15, 2013
He was such a great teacher! Sending prayers to the family. Class of 98.
Rachel Landers
August 15, 2013
What a great teacher! He impacted many lives while teaching school at Tallassee. Still remember him well. c/o 97
Chad Shaw
August 15, 2013
By far one of the greatest. He had a way of making you want to better yourself. Big impact on me, even at an early age. Even to this day I have him as a security question (Favorite childhood teacher?) for most all my passwords. Such a great person.
Brant Goodman
August 15, 2013
John and Debbie,
My first years as Principal of Southside Middle School in Tallassee were made so much easier by fine teachers such as Jim. Smart, innovative and caring would best describe his approach to all he did. I still have a card he sent me when I retired. Our community and profession has lost an outstanding person. I am proud to consider him my friend. May God bless you both as well as the friends he left behind.
Ron McDaniel
August 15, 2013
Debbie and John, Our hearts go out to the both of you and your family during this time. We have missed all of you since you moved a few years ago. We will always remember Jim's kind heart. Praying for you all.
Stephannie, Chris, Mara, Sam and Anna McCracken
August 15, 2013
Your smile and regular tribute to the Beatles made my experience at LAMP exciting. I never knew just what to expect in your class. I wish I could tell you how much you meant to me and my fellow students. Praying for the family!
Rachel Cox
August 15, 2013
You will be greatly missed. What an outstanding teacher you have been since our first year teaching together at Southside Middle School in Tallassee in 1990! I'm grateful for the lives you have touched. You will not be forgotten.
Jodie Willis
August 14, 2013
Hands together praying for God's peace and comfort.
May good memories surround you and the love of family and friends support you.
Your former neighbor
Milton McGehee
Milton McGehee
August 14, 2013
My Special Friend,
We had so much in common, yet such different personalities...that's probably what made our friendship work. I will really miss you!! Rock on with John and George:-)
Denise
August 14, 2013
Jimmy,
All of your AEPi brothers from Auburn have a special memory of your effect on our lives. We will miss you brother Jim.
John Salvatore
August 14, 2013
You are always in my memory as the one of the greatest man who inspired me everyday.
Inkyu Kim
August 14, 2013
Mr.Gatling you were my favorite teacher at Floyd. I'll never forget walking into 7th Grade homeroom seeing you greeting me with a smile. Thank you for being a great teacher. You & your family will be in my prayers John.
Tia Irvine
August 14, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. You all hold such a special place in my heart.
Sheryl (Pech) Parker
August 14, 2013
Debbie and John, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ashley thought so much of Jim as her history teacher and as someone who truly cared about his students. He will really be missed.
Sarah McQueen
August 14, 2013
What sadness this message brings. With love to Debbie and John. May you feel the arms of God surrounding you through your friends and family.
Ouida Myers
August 14, 2013
John - I was so very saddened to hear about the loss of your Dad. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Kerr
August 14, 2013
I feel like I have a long history with Jim, as he was my father's student and my daughter's teacher. I will miss our talks about history, music, and Auburn football. John and Debbie, you are in my prayers.
Linda Carter
August 14, 2013
John always know that your father was a good man who took his job and his family seriously. He will be missed by all who knew him. Alex, John and Daniel Jackson
August 14, 2013
John I am so very sorry to hear of your father's passing. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Mitzi McLaurine
August 14, 2013
Mr. Gatling, you have no idea how much better you made every single day at school. I know I am in the company of many when I say that I will really, really miss you.
Andrew Word
August 14, 2013
Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and person, Mr. Gatling. Whenever I visited LAMP, I always looked forward to our chats. I'll miss you!
Robin Tinglin
August 14, 2013
It breaks my heart hearing this news. Mr. Gatling was such a blessing to so many students. He was one of the most kindhearted and loving teachers I had at LAMP; I'm incredibly grateful and humbled by the time I got to spend as his student. I'm so sorry for your loss and am praying peace over your family.
Haley
August 14, 2013
Debbie and John, our love and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Barbara and Buddy
August 14, 2013
Debbie and John- We are shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a friendly, intelligent, and enjoyable person to be around at Immanuel.This is a true loss to all who knew him. We pray for you both as you pass through this valley and for Jim's spirit. May the grace of God and the comfort and love of friends carry you forward. Fondly, John and Emmi Harrell
August 14, 2013
My daughter is a former student of Mr.Gatling and has always had great things to say about him. His humor and gentle loving spirit will forever live in the hearts of those he touched. My prayers go out to Mr. Gatling's family and his students. May God grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Sincerely a parent of a former Lamper
Carla Lewis
August 14, 2013
Mr. Gatling was an amazing teacher. I'm so sorry for your loss John
Preston Waller
August 14, 2013
Debbie and John - Much love coming your way as you mourn Jim's loss and remember his life and those he touched with his teaching.
Tracey Berezansky
August 14, 2013
John,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I am thinking of you. Mrs. Etheridge
August 14, 2013
Mr. Gatling will truly be missed.
August 14, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your father's untimely passing. I knew Jim as a wonderful, committed parent to you, John, during your years at MacMillan. My thoughts are with you and your mother during this difficult time.
Barbara Campbell
August 14, 2013
Debbie: So very, very sorry to hear about this. Thinking of you and sending prayers of peace to you and John.
Joellyn & Trinket
August 14, 2013
John & Debbie,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and the Gatling family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort and give strength to you in the days ahead.
Patricia C. Wilson
August 14, 2013
Mr. Gatling was a teacher, a friend, and someone you could talk to about anything. He could always cheer you up and make a bad day not so bad. He has influenced so many people throughout his years of teaching, and his memory will continue to live on through the lives of his students, colleagues, and friends. Rest in peace, friend.
Matthew Norsworthy
August 14, 2013
Jimmy will live on in our hearts forever. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
August 14, 2013
Mr. Gatling truly had a heart for his students. I consider it a blessing to have had the opportunity to have been not only a parent of one of those students multiple times, but for his dedication as a student advisor and co-parent. Praying for strength and comfort through this difficult time.
Karen McGuire
August 14, 2013
My condolences go out to the family of Mr. Gatling. I never had him as a teacher but I did see him roaming the halls of LAMP. The people I know that did have him said only good things about him and his love for the beatles. This is so sudden and so unexpected. Our LAMP family has suffered a loss. You all will be in my prayers.
Renee Ingram
August 14, 2013
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