Jimmy "Jim" Lee Gamble

Jimmy “Jim” Lee Gamble , age 87, passed away at his home on Dickey Springs Rd in Bessemer AL on July 1 st , 2025. He was born at his family home in the front room on Maple Street in Bessemer, AL August 23 rd ,1937. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Lois Gamble, siblings, Ray Gamble, Clara Lou Gamble, Jackie Gamble, Carl Camble and his wife of 37 years Wilma “Poochie” Gamble. He is survived by his sister Anne Gamble, son, Dale Gamble(Beth), daughter, Vicki Freeman(Mark), daughter, Terri Shuttlesworth(Cary), grandchildren, Amy Boyle(James), Bryan Gamble(Jennifer), Kori Defoor(Shawn), Ashley Grizzell(Benjamin), Ryan Gamble, Chase Shuttlesworth, Alyssa Shuttlesworth, Kaitlyn Gamble, 10 great grandchildren, Jack, Tayler, Tyler, Andrew, Tinsley, Kristen, Sophia, Millie Claire, Jess and Maverick. Honorary Grandchild, Asya Kouyoumdjian(Harout), Honorary great grandchildren, Tatiana and Joseph Kouyoumdjian. There are uncountable family and friends that will greatly miss him. Jim was an accomplished businessman due to his work ethic established at an early age working at Jimmy’s One Stop Food Center on Morgan Rd. which was very close to his home. In 1957 he began working for Rosser’s Dairy delivering milk, at the time not knowing this farm would become his last home and place he found joy in working the land with cattle and hay production. In the early 1960s he worked for Long Lewis Hardware Boathouse as a mechanic and quickly rose to a manager position. The man could sell a boat in the desert. In 1966 Jim ventured out with his longtime friend Andy Schrimscher and opened Marineland on the Bessemer Super Highway. They grew from a small block building to a brand new building and multi acre facility operating it until 1977. After a couple of years in residential construction in 1979 Jim acquired Cahaba Tractor Company of Pelham AL. He always loved the farm life and working with farm and construction equipment. He added a second tractor dealership, Tuscaloosa Ford Tractor in 1987 and both of these are still operating today. Jim always welcomed a new challenge and never quit being involved in his works up until the last days of his life. Jim was loved by many, never met a stranger and was Papa to everyone in the younger generation. All that had the privilege to know him has countless memories of his life with them. From racing cars and boats, teaching every kid he knew to water ski, working the farm with him, life and fun at Gulf Shores or if you were unfortunate enough, experiencing a “Jim Gamble Fit”. He was a big man but if you really knew him you knew he had a big heart. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to these special individuals who gave the most compassionate care to Jim in his decline, including, Susan Melton, Jody Alexander, Roderick Foster and most of all Regina McQueen. Services will be Tuesday July 8 th , 2025 at McCalla Memorial Funeral Home with visitation from 9am-11am followed by a memorial service at 11am. After the service There will be a celebration of life with lunch, music and fellowship starting at 1:30pm at Jim’s home, 7095 Dickey Springs Rd, Bessemer AL In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jim’s honor to either of these charities: CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL https://cufi.org/ THE SALVATION ARMY https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

Jimmy "Jim" Lee Gamble

August 23, 1937 - July 1, 2025