1936

December 1, 1936
Heart attack at 2700 Calhoun

DOB – 08/27/1887, Age 49
Badge –
Final Resting Place – Resthaven, Houston, TX

Houston Police Officer Jim T. Gambill died of a heart attack following a struggle with an arrested suspect on Tuesday, December 1, 1936. The deadly struggle occurred in the 2700 block of Calhoun while Gambill and his partner, Officer George S. Seber, were transporting the suspect to jail. Officers Gambill and Seber responded to a call at 2001 St. Charles Street in regards to a threat to take a life. Upon arrival the officers learned that the complaint's ex-husband, Martin Holmes, had come by her husband and made threats that he was going to kill her but left when she called the police. Gambill and Seber took the complainant with them and drove to 2902 Tierwester Street, the residence of Holmes. They arrived and found Holmes outside the house standing next to his truck. As Gambill and Seber got out of their patrol car, Holmes reached inside of his truck and pulled out a pistol. Gambill and Seber pulled their weapons and approached Holmes, disarming him.  After placing Holmes in the patrol car, they left enroute to the jail.

In the 2700 block of Calhoun, Holmes became unruly and attempted to get out of the car. Seber stopped the patrol car and got out to handcuff Holmes. A struggle ensued and Holmes grabbed for Gambill's pistol. Due to the size of Holmes, Gambill and Seber could not control him. Holmes continued to beat Gambill while trying to get his gun. Seber then pulled his pistol and shot Holmes, firing five times before he released Gambill and fell. Gambill then got up, walked about two steps, and collapsed on the street. Gambill was taken to St. Joseph's Infirmary, where he was pronounced dead on arrival due to heart failure.
Houston Police Officer Jim. T. Gambill, 48, joined the department on November 30, 1922.

Officer J.T. Gambill is survived by his wife, Pattie Annie Gambill; daughter, Glenna Mae Gambill; sister, Annie Kyle; brothers Young and John Gambill; aunts, Mary Gambill and Mrs. John Gambill.

Source – Houston Police Department Museum Files