Joette Margaret Gambs

Joette (Jody) Margaret Davis Jones Gambs passed away at home on July 20, 2024 at the age of 83. She was born to Sydney and Margaret Davis on October 19, 1940.

Jody grew up in Long Beach and earned a degree in Elementary Education at the University of Arizona. She met her future husband, Pat Jones at the U of A. They married and had three sons, Steven, Timothy, and James. In 1972, they moved the family to Guadalajara, Mexico.  Tragically, two years later a small plane crash took Pat Jones life. Jody and the boys returned to Long Beach and bought the Lakewood house which became their forever home.

Due to her kind and loving nature, motherhood was a joy for Jody. With the unfailing support of her parents, she never missed a ball game or a special event. She became a second mother to many of her sons’ friends. Later, she thrived on time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Hostessing was Jody’s forte. She was a great cook and loved feeding friends and family. Her home was lavishly decorated for every holiday or season.

Teaching was second nature to Jody. She taught Special Education in Paramount School District for many years. As a retiree, she continued to share her expertise, tutoring students in her home.

After rearing her family, Jody met and married Jack Gambs. Together they spent several magical years living on their boat, The Magic Castle. Jack died in 2015 leaving Jody a widow once again. She kept busy taking care of Gramps, dining out with friends, tutoring, and enjoying her beloved Dodgers and Rams games.

Jody was bedridden for the last years of her live.  Her son, Tim, and his wife, Caren, became her caregivers. They made it possible for her to stay in her home with the finest, loving care. After Tim’s death, Caren became Jody’s primary caregiver, which was a blessing to all.

Jody was preceded in death by her parents, Sydney and Margaret Davis, her husbands, Patrick Jones and Jack Gambs, and son, Timothy Jones. She is survived by her sons, Steven and James (Inga) Jones; daughter-in-law, Caren Jones; grandsons, Cody (Ashley) Jones and Soren Jones; and great-grandchildren, Lexi and Jackson Jones.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to Jody’s faithful caregivers, Maribel Brooks and Jessica Enriquez.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 1:00 pm on August 10, 2024 at Luyben Dilday Mortuary, 5161 Arbor Road, Long Beach.