James Cecil Gamble

James Cecil Gamble passed away April 12, 2005. He was born February 9, 1944 to the late Cecil and Ethel (Gresham) Gamble. He was the oldest of nine children. James received all of his education in the Massillon City School System where he was affectionately known as “JR.” After high school, James served in the United State National Guard. James also attended Kent State University, Stark County Branch. James was a valued employee of Stark County Community Action Agency, where he served for the past 17 years as Job Training and Education Specialist. James held many positions throughout his life but his first love was working with children. In 1972 James was appointed Education Director at the Massillon Boys Club. Prior to this appointment, James was employed by the Massillon Office of Economic Opportunity. At one point in his career, James was also a DJ employed by WTIG on the Big K and Little J Show. James had a great love for softball. For many years he could be seen pitching, batting, catching and sometimes coaching at the old Agathon Ball Park. JR also played on many championship teams throughout Stark County and surrounding areas. James worked with the Prime Time Basketball League at the South East Community Center. James had a wonderful sense of humor. James was a very modest person and went about doing what he did for others without expecting anything in return. He gave his all to children and was a great mentor to many. James accepted Christ in his life at the old Friendship Baptist Church where he was baptized by Reverend Joseph Sinclair. James later became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. He leaves to cherish his memory, nine children; Lydia Allen of Atlanta, GA, James C. Gamble III of Atlanta, GA, Leslie (Richard) Davis of Canton, Damon (Sonja) Allen-Gamble of Atlanta, GA, LaNita Gamble, Dionne (Jerome) Armstead, Felicia (Ruben) Burrows, Christina Davis and Jamie Minor-Gamble, all of Canton. He leaves to cherish his memory, siblings, Howard (Doris) of Tracy, CA, Willie (Katherine) of Oakland, CA, Larry of Massillon, OH, Gary (Willa) of Canton, OH, Lester Gamble of Texas, Linda Lee of Washington, DC,. Bonita Y. Gilmer, Tanya Gamble of Massillon, OH and Tammy (Hollis) Alexander of Canton, OH. He also leaves 24 grandchildren, one great grandson, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and his dear friend, Shandra C. Minor of Canton. Condolences may be sent to the family at 1820 12th St. S.E., Massillon