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BORN
1937
DIED
2016
Jim Gamble Obituary
An article about a prominent New York City puppeteer and a how-to guide to building marionettes caught the eye of the 14-year-old, who brought the magazine with him to the local workshop where he spent his childhood making model airplanes.
Gamble was a natural, skillfully crafting several puppets and a set. He had his mother outfit them with costumes, rehearsed a production and gave his performance at a local birthday party.
Soon his schedule was filling up with bookings. They would keep coming for decades and take him to stages around the world.
In a 2000 Daily Breeze article, Gamble shared the key to his craft: "The secret to being a good children's puppeteer is in genuinely liking children and being almost childlike yourself."
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Gamble
33 Entries
Scott taylor
March 16, 2024
I was sitting here with my wife reminiscing about my early years growing up and in Jr high lived around the corner from Jim. He was always in the garage working on his puppets and even tought me and my pal Jamie how to make puppets. He inspired me to build a mobile stage and make some puppets I never did any shows because my interest was just making and building things. Thank you Jim well I called you Mr Gamble in those days
Jan Peckham
June 12, 2019
Thank you for all your wonderful shows at Woman to Woman in Long Beach. God Bless you.
Ben Moore
January 6, 2017
So many good memories of Jim. Eagle Scout. Kind and interested in others. A sax player in H S dance band. Led UofOkla ROTC band.
We were in the same high school graduating class in Jefferson, TX. As I recall, Jim was voted most likely to succeed. Jim's brother and sister shared similar talents. Jim was exceptional in many ways and will be missed greatly.
Not having seen Jim in many years we renewed friendship at a high school reunion a year or more after his bicycle accident. A year or two later he and Francine met my wife and me for dinner in Jefferson. Though we emailed and spoke by phone various times later, that was the last time I saw Jim.
Never forget that smile! A person gifted in so many ways. It is wonderful how Jim positively affected others.
Joe Olds
November 21, 2016
i worked with Jim at North Pole Colorado the summer of 1959 - we were both young bucks then. He was in college, I was just starting out. He did puppet shows, I put together model airplanes. Don't think I have ever met a a happier more outgoing person, a guy with a million dollar smile, and always willing to show me the ropes.
I am sorry for your loss.
Jeanne Blair Caulfield
September 22, 2016
Jim Gamble and his Puppets performed at a birthday party for my young son back in the early 1970's. "The best birthday party ever" as Mr. Gamble brought the puppets to life right in our living room! Over the years we were fortunate to enjoy many of his performances.
He will be remembered for his amazing talent and the JOY he brought to so many kids.
Condolences to his family.
John Zeretzke
John Zeretzke
September 11, 2016
My heartfelt thoughts go out to Jim's family and close friends that knew him. I heard of Jim's passing while working with children in the Philippines and I kept thinking of him the rest of my travels and work thereabout his strong smile, conversations we had at artist meetings and conventions, his skills in promotion of his art and craft and generally, his wonderful personality. His commitment to arts education and children was at the core of his work. He was always someone I looked up to. Jim - keep sending out those smiles where ever you are now. You have inspired the hearts of thousands out there in this world. You can smile and be proud of all you have done here in life.
John Zeretzke
Alfredo Rolando Ortiz
September 10, 2016
We will always remember your smile and your love for your art which was always present in your performances and were privileged to even have you perform for a birthday celebration of our first grandson. Thank you Jim for bringing so many smiles and joyful moments to so many of us. Rest in peace.
Alfredo Rolando Ortiz
Holly Lopes
September 8, 2016
I have been a friend of Jim's since I was 16. He was a true artist and a real light in the puppetry world. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile and genuine joy on his face. I am glad his company will go on with sound management to delight children everywhere. Jim and his family (human and puppets) mean so much to me and my family. He will be sorely missed.
Marcia Opera House Theatre Players
September 3, 2016
Jim was a long-time friend in Jefferson, Texas where he grew up about a block from my grandparents home where I was living. He was encouraged to make puppets and do shows as a young child by his mother, a teacher in the school system, and became quite proficient at it. No other children were very interested in that form of entertainment in those days of the late 40s and early 50s but he persevered and took himself through college with the talent, picking it up later as a retired airline pilot.Our community theatre was delighted to have him visit his home town and perform for the schools about 14 yrs ago and he remained a grand supporter of our theatre organization as well as a good personal friend (as was his mother). We are very sad that his life has been cut short and honor his life and talent.
Leigh Ann Cornelius Ileson
August 31, 2016
My mom and your grandfather, Jim's dad were adopted brother and sister, and biological cousins. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Cousin Jim will be missed by everyone who has ever met him I'm sure, due to his wonderful personality and talents.I remember his boyhood bedroom had some awesome model airplanes hanging from the ceiling.
I lost my parents not that many years ago and know what you will be facing. May your friends and family and God bless you and give you comfort and strength. May you have your memories always and may time take away any pain. Would love to hear from you girls.
Our special May 2016 dinner with Francine and Jim
Scott Palermo Jim Sanak
August 30, 2016
In May 2016, Trixie a.k.a. Francine and Jim invited us to dinner in Palm Springs. We had such a fun evening together reconnecting, sharing stories and just enjoying our time as friends.
We have known Francine since 1993. She was our first girlfriend and next-door neighbor in Palos Verdes Estates, as we had just relocated to Southern California.
The memories we created together hold a special place in our heart.
We always hoped Francine would find the next love of her life. She found that with Jim. We did not know Jim at the same level as Francine. However, he made her happy. Anyone who makes our girlfriend Francine happy is a friend of ours.
We are so happy to have spent those precious hours together back in May 2016. We will miss Jim.
We are sending healing energy and white light to Francine and all those who consider Jim an important part of their life.
A wonderful May 2015 dinner in Palm Springs with Trixie aka Francine, Jim and friends.
Scott Palermo Jim Sanak
August 30, 2016
Alan Cook
August 29, 2016
I was unable to correct typos. One error should have said that as a youngster in Kilgore, two of his own birthday parties featured a visiting puppet show. Jim did not remember the name of the performer, but remembered the shows. And it is of interest that after the Woman's Day. Article on puppet making, Jim was performing. Birthday puppet shows for other people's parties.
In high school he was in the band, which was a major provider of music at local events including dances. The band members received a fee for an evening's work at such events. Jim also found he could get the same fee for performing puppet entertainment at these events, and it involved a lot less investment of time.
For Jim, puppetry was a business, and he was proud of his business instincts from an early point. He was not a "starving artist".
I will appreciate your help in checking my texts here. On my IPad the print is really small. And I could not figure out how to edit and proofread.
Alan Cook
August 29, 2016
Jim saw a visiting puppet show of two of his birthday parties, probably the same troupe for both shows Growing up in Kilgore, TX he was into model planes which now seems prophetic, since he flew for ourvAir Firce and for Continental. He studied engineering, which led him to design what he called ergonomic controls for his marionettes. There was some inventiveness involved.
The "how-to" article in Woman's Day magazine was by Bil Baird, at one time the most publicized American puppeteer in the USA, whose marionettes were featured in the "Sound of Music" movie, on TV and Broadway stages, and Jim later counted Bil as a friend.
The Woman's Day article was so popular that it was reissued as a pamphlet. Otto Kunze and his wife Caroline contributed to the publication, and I am sure Jim knew them as well.
He was a long time member of Puppeteers of America and The Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry, and knew many prominent foreign puppeteers, partly through his years as a pilot.
He was the only person I knew who did puppet performances at opposite ends of our country on the same day!
When I last had a long conversation with Jim, He was probably the most-travelled Anerican puppeteer.
I have seen many of his performances, some at National Puppet Festivals, including a fairly recent one for thevLos Angeles Guild.
Needless to say, he leaves an impressive legacy.
August 29, 2016
Sending lots of love and light to an extraordinary human being. Jim was generous, kind, loving and a whole lot of fun! Our marriage was a wonderful gift to recall. Marty Gamble
Laurent Maissin
August 29, 2016
Thank you Jim for comming to my festivals in France. I never forget you. Condoleances to your family and your friends .
Loretta Britsch
August 28, 2016
How lucky all of the children and parents were who got to see Jim's many puppet shows performed in the area. It was a great gift to watch his shows. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to see his talent in performing and craftsmanship firsthand. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Steve Handy
August 27, 2016
Jim was a delightful man whose puppet wizardry made sure you would always remember him. Peace, Jim!
Ray Watters
August 27, 2016
I remember flying with Jim back in the day when I was a DPS for Continental. He was one of those I always have a fond memory of because of his sense of humor. I remember Jim coming to our DPS reunion in 2007 and putting on a great show with the puppets. Rest in peace, my friend.
Steve Golden
August 27, 2016
I will always remember you and smile. Wherever/whenever we met, whether at a Puppet function or just bumping into each other (literally) at a showroom in the Mart, there was that infectious beaming smile. PEACE!
Jim Overstreet
August 26, 2016
I Was A Professional Magician And I Met Jim Gamble At A Show That We Were Booked For. I Was Taking A Flight To Cape Kennedy Space Center In Florida.
When I Was Leaving The Plane Jim Said If I Knew You Were On The Plane I Would Of Let You Sit Up In The Cockpit With Us... He Was A Real Gentleman And A Great Entertainer. My Thoughts & Prayers Are With His Family.
Wayne Cooper
August 26, 2016
We loved being a neighbor in PV and watching him build his newest puppet in the garage. He was our pilot on many trips on CO in the 70's. Happy trails Jim.
Karen Tipich-Bleiman
August 26, 2016
Condolences to the Gamble Family. As past owner of The Golden Cove Pet Shop,Fond Memories of Jim The Puppeteer entertaining dozens of children at the Centers yearly Fairs and Peninsula gatherings
David Kasperik
August 26, 2016
I grew up watching Jim's shows. He was truly gifted and shared that gift freely to everybody's benefit. I hope all those he trained throughout his years carry it on in their own ways.
Alan LaFever
August 26, 2016
I never saw you without a smile. Rest in pease Jim, you will be missed.
Jill Richardson
August 26, 2016
I had the great fortune of growing up watching Jim's puppet shows in PV, as well as spending the last several years with him and my mother, "Trixie," getting to know him and listening to his wonderful stories of a life well-lived. He was a truly special man and will be dearly missed by me, our families, and everyone who knew him.
Sherry Collins
August 26, 2016
Jim was such a delight to know. I've seen many of his puppet videos but never saw him perform in person. Jim welcomed friends with his warmth and smile every time, no matter how he felt.
His wife Francine/Trixie shared his creativity and love and interest in all adventures for many years. Because of Jim's accident and later cancer surgery he required a lot of care. Trixie waited on him hand and foot and provided absolutely loving and incredible care for Jim. She handled everything and still kept Jim involved in the community, her family and his friends.
Shari Graner
August 26, 2016
I knew Jim through the Peninsula Committee for the LA Philharmonic. My sincerest condolences to all of Jim's family. My heart goes out to you all, especially during this time of sudden loss.
Cecilia Zapien-Hernandez
August 26, 2016
Mr. Gamble entertained children and adults. I took my now two grown daughters to enjoy his magic during their childhood. RIP
Paul Saffo
August 25, 2016
Jim personified what has made the Palos Verdes peninsula so very special, a small town of loving people in the heart of a vast metropolis. Jim was a brilliant and creative entertainer -- and a vastly generous person. We all can learn so much from his example!
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