James Walter Gamblin

Born to William and Stella Gamblin on January 14, 1915, "Jack" was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1933 and The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1938.

While in college, Jack participated in the sports of weight lifting and boxing, and also played drums in local dance bands.

Upon graduation, Jack joined the Navy and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. It was while serving in the North Atlantic near the North Pole during World War II that his ship was sunk by a German submarine.

Miraculously, while floating in frigid waters, he was rescued by a Russian freighter. Suffering from frostbite, he recuperated in a Russian hospital for nearly six months, before returning to his family in San Antonio.

He soon began his lengthy career with City Public Service, serving in the management of the Gas Department.

His boyhood love of checkers, which Jack learned in his father's barber shop, followed him into adulthood, winning him numerous local and regional championships.

Jack is survived by his wife, Louise Forrest Gamblin; and stepson, Richard Forrest Tankersley; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Staff of Morningside Manor, the Staff of VistaCare Hospice, and to his Physician, Kimberly Heller, M.D., who provided him exceptional care.