James Elliot Gamblin
June 15, 1932 - June 22, 2014
James Gamblin was born June 15, 1932 in Yantis, (east) Texas to Gaylord D. and Inez Gamblin, starting life on a small family homestead. James was the second of five boys whose father died suddenly. His mother, an angel in her young sons' eyes, later remarried to William Moore, which added two sisters and two brothers to the family. James and his siblings grew up in trying post-depression conditions. Despite a life in "poverty," James and his brothers experienced a Huck Finn-like upbringing in east and west Texas that instilled a love of adventure and the outdoors.
After graduating high school in the small town of Rankin, Texas, James made his own way to attend what was then West Texas State College in Canyon, TX. His ebullient personality was exploited as a cheerleader for the Buffaloes, and James, ever the ham, eventually decided a degree in Speech and Drama would best suit him to start a career. A life-long teacher, James improved his skill advancing into school administration through assignments that took him across the United States and halfway around the world.
James followed his older brother, Gayle, into the Army during the Korean conflict though he was spared serving overseas. His discharge landed him back as a teacher in Kerrville, TX where he eventually met and won the heart of his wife, Sue Smith. They were married in 1956 and immediately started a family. James' and Sue's love of life and adventure became the core of many unforgettable experiences that their children will treasure all their days. Those adventures took the Gamblins from Dumas, TX to Olathe, CO to Idaho Falls, ID to the Micronesian Islands of Chuuk (formerly Truk) and back to Idaho.
James retired from the Nampa School District in 1992 though his days of service didn't end there. We can't list the names of individuals James took in - into his and Sue's home, into his heart, into his wallet - paying forward a river of positive assistance to individuals, families and descendants that will flow for generations. Dad always said he was an 80/20 person. Give to others 80 percent and keep 20 percent for yourself. His gifts generated loving kindness many times over.
James is survived by his wife Sue; daughters Melissa (Joe) Barrett, Marcia (Don) Reed, Amy Gamblin (Jim Grosso), and Donna Cottrell; sons Mark Gamblin (Susan Ortega), Randall (Sandi) Gamblin; grandchildren Kebai (Ryan) Bills and Belau Gamblin (Aggie Oiterong, mother), Nathan (Jessica) Barrett, Seth Barrett, Sara Jo Barrett, Kyle Grosso, Mikaila Grosso, Ruby Reed, Sam Reed, and Michael Espinosa (Amanda Vincenti); six great-grandchildren; brothers Gayle (Ann) Gamblin, DeAun Gamblin, Rell (Shirley) Gamblin, Debs (Vernell) Gamblin, and Fred (Perk) Moore; stepbrother WJ (Pansy )Moore; and stepsisters Artemis (Howard) Schmidt and Zola Beryl (Melvin) Waddle. James was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather.
Services are being held at Nampa First United Methodist Church, Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 2 P.M. with Pastor John Watts officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring James' life of service by contributing to scholarships, supporting your local blood bank, or giving your time to your community. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.flahifffuneralchapel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Statesman on Jun. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Gamblin

7 Entries

tori deines..was brown

March 2, 2016

I want this mans family to know who this man is to me.He was a guilding light when there was no hope.I was a troubled teen he did not overlook.Thanks to him i graduated high school and now have a bachelors..well 2.I could have been another face in the crowd at nampa high..instead he took me under his wing and helped me realize my potential.heavan is blessed to have gained such a kind soul..

Connie Daw

June 28, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad touched my life in such a profound way. He shared so much during our " father daughter " talks. He taught me that it's okay to question, to seek my own happiness and that independent thought is a good thing. I think of him and your remarkable family often, my thoughts and prayers are with you today as you celebrate his life. Much love.

susan mattson

June 27, 2014

What a fun man! James was great. I am thinking of all of you, especially Amy. Mom is very ill and I am not feeling well. Will try to get to the Funeral. If not I love you all.

Susan Mattson

Shannon Lord(Moore)

June 27, 2014

Uncle James was a fun man to be near that's for sure! Anytime he and Aunt Sue came to visit he had fun things for my young sons to do. Jewelry making to kite flying they loved when he came. And they loved him bringing Jet and Jill. Sure will miss him.

Kathy Keck-Newland

June 26, 2014

Mrs. Gamblin - There are no words to express my sorrow at hearing of Mr. Gamblin's passing. He was, as I'm sure you know, an inspiration and mentor to me both at church and at school. I love him dearly, as I love you. You and your family will be in my heart and in my prayers as you travel through this difficult time. May God be with you.

Karen Brown Petersen

June 26, 2014

Jim was the assistant principal of the high school I attended and one of the adult leaders of our church youth group. I have nothing but pleasant memories of Jim, but the first one that comes to mind is of a hay ride he organized for the youth group. That man could laugh. He will be remembered.

Lisa Gamble

June 24, 2014

Mr. Gamblin was one of my principals growing up in Nampa. I always enjoyed his smile and happy disposition. He was a lovely man and will be missed.

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