James W. "Gambler" Hedrick

James W. "Gambler" Hedrick, 64, of St. Augustine, passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2013 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring, surrounded by his family. Born in Cumberland, Md., James moved to Ohio as a young man and graduated from Hopewell Loudon High School of Bascom, Ohio, with the class of 1966. For 30 years he worked as a machinist for Atlas Crankshaft in Fostoria, Ohio, retiring in the late 1990's. Upon his retirement, James moved to St. Augustine and worked as a driver and guide for the St. Augustine Red Train Company. He loved classic cars and Harley Motorcycles, and was also known for having a big heart for others, as evidenced by volunteering his time in feeding the homeless. James was a member of ABATE of Fla., Vintage Chapter, where he served the public relations communications officer. Above all, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be remembered for the famous quote that he lived up to, "It's all about the Ride!"

He was preceded in death by a son, Kiel James Hedrick, and his father, Emory Hedrick. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Susan Hedrick of St. Augustine; sons, Ronald Hedrick of Fostoria, Ohio, Kenneth Hedrick of Indiana, Jeff Hedrick of Lima, Ohio, and Kasey Swinehart of St. Augustine; daughters, Kelly Swinehart and Kara Swinehart, both of St. Augustine; a sister, Sonja Lee Combs of Edmonton, Ky.; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Jackson, Betty Jackson and Joanne Goddard, and her husband, Bill; 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A celebration of his life will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at The Beachers Lodge conference room, 6970 A1A South, St Augustine, FL 32080.

St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.