John R. Gamble passed away peacefully at his home on February 29, 2012, in Carson City, Nevada. Mr. Gamble was born in Reno, Nevada, to Robert R. and Lura T. Gamble of Hazen, Nevada on February 18, 1923.
John's early school years were spent in the Churchill County schools. John was graduated from Fallon High School in 1940. Afterwards he attended the University of Nevada until he was called upon to serve his country in World War II. He served in the European theatre for the United States Infantry for a period of three years. Upon returning to the states in 1946, he reenrolled at the University of Nevada earning his Bachelor's & Master's degrees.
Mr. Gamble's professional life was spent serving the public schools system of the state as a teacher and administrator. He began his teaching career in Smith Valley followed by several years in teaching Vocational Agriculture in Pershing County High School. He moved into administration when he was appointed principal of Pershing County High School, moving to the superintendent's position in 1958 also in Pershing County.
In 1961, Mr. Gamble moved to Carson City to serve in the Department of Education as the state's Curriculum Director. He remained with the State of Education Department in several positions until he retired in 1978 while serving as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Nevada.
Of interest in Mr. Gamble's early life was the 1940 Ford Good Driver's League award for the state of Nevada. John was selected as the Nevada Champion. The award included a scholarship, a trip to the New York World's Fair with recognition in the National Contest for young participants. As a UNR student, John was an active member of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. In his professional achievements, Mr. Gamble was selected as Chairman of the Northwest Association of Schools, Secondary Section; areas of participation included Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, and Montana.
In retirement, Mr. Gamble was instrumental in the establishment of the Bethlehem Lutheran School of Carson City. The school is now an important contributing elementary school, grades Kindergarten through eighth grade; it benefits children and their families who choose a private, parochial school. Mr. Gamble is a long-time member of the Bethlehem Lutheran church having served as a volunteer principal for a number of years at the school, as well as an active member of the congregation. He served in many capacities, offices and committees, to assist in the functioning and growth of the Church.
John had a deep love for the State of Nevada. He hunted and fished all over the state, sharing these experiences with his sons and teaching them all he knew of the outdoors. In baseball and life in general, he was their most important coach and everyone's biggest fan. These loves have been handed down to his sons and grandchildren and will surely be his enduring legacy.
Mr. Gamble was married to Muriel M. Gamble in Lovelock, Nevada, in 1946. Sons survive him: John R. Gamble Jr., David R. Gamble (Diane), and Douglas R. Gamble (Laura). He is also survived by grandchildren: Cory Gamble and Tawnya Gamble Root (Angelo) of Reno; Mark McKinnon (Christy), Allison Gamble Cooper (Jeff), and Michelle Gamble of Reno; Jesse, Luke and Ellie Gamble of San Jose, Costa Rica. Great grandchildren also survive him: Aedan Raen McKinnon, Hazen Dawn Root, Emery Lynn Cooper and William Gamble Cooper.
His wife Muriel M. Gamble preceded him in death, February 7, 2008; as did his Mother Lura T. Gamble; Father, Robert R. Gamble and sister, Lura Gamble Batjer. A sister, Ann Walts of Fallon survives him as do several nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at Walton's Chapel of the Valley in Carson City. Funeral service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1837 N. Mountain Street, Carson City on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. followed by a burial at Lone Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran School, Carson City, Nevada.
