James Frank Gamble

James Frank Gamble was an outdoorsy person, who was one with nature. He was easy going, impulsive, sensitive and very sentimental. James had a contageous laugh and his big blue eyes and smile would light up any room he walked into. Mostly, James enjoyed the peace and serenity of the outdoors.      James was born on February 24, 1958 at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He was the son of Christina and Keith Gamble. James grew up in Montreal until 9 years of age, Ottawa for a few years and Thunder Bay for high school and college years, moving to Winnipeg in 1990.      James was raised with one younger sister, Julie. James shared many life experiences over the years with his sister.      As a young boy, James had a number of interests. James was an active child who loved skiing and camping. He was a scout as a child and big into scouts. James' memorable achievements included the many Scout Badges he earned.      A typical teenager, James had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Hilcrest High School in 1976. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.      James enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but James was able to manage the balancing act. He took Law and Security in College and later attained a Masters of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Management.      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, James enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, his best friend was John Watson. They met through college when they took Law and Security together. Later in life, his many friends included John Watson and wife Carol, his good friend Tom who passed away last year, his friends from the Winnipeg group: Brett, Dave and many other close friends and collegues.      James worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. James was blessed with two sons, Eric and Adam.      Fortunately, James enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, James worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. He was employed with the Ontario Provincial Police, then Canada Post for approximately 20 years and recently with Manitoba Justice. James always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.      James enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He loved being surrounded by nature. Anything outdoors; camping, canoeing, kayaking, skiing and photography.       James found pleasure in sports. In high school, James loved to ski. He worked in the Ski Patrol in Thunder Bay. In his college years, James continued to stay active by skiing.       Throughout his life, James was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. James was very involved with Community Living Winnipeg, which promotes independent living opportunities for people with disabilities, which he advoctaed for and was passionate about.      James enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. James did lots of travelling with work and for pleasure. Florida, Mexico, Caymon Islands, Lebanon, The Rockies and most parks. He spoke often of his trip to Lebanon on behalf of work through Canada Post.      James favorite pet was "Frosty" his childhood dog. Frosty used to wait at the end of the driveway for James every day. They were best friends for 12 years old.      James passed away on August 16, 2009 at Winnipeg, MB. due to mecial complications. He was predeceased by his wife Sandra who passed away on November 30, 1992. James is survived by children Eric and Adam; his mother Christina; his sister Julie (Tyler) and nephews Billie, Keenan and Keifer; his mother-in-law Mary and father-in-law Ellie, his sister-in-law Linda (George) and their two children Lance and Landin and his brother-in-law Randy (Donna). Services were held at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home in Winnipeg, MB. James was cremated and the plan is to scatter some of his ashes in Lake Superior and Lake James as he was very fond of these places. As well some of his remains will be scattered at Quetico Park (a place with great significance to James), and with his wife Sandra who predeceased him.      Simply stated, James was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. James leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember James Frank Gamble.