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A graveside memorial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora.
Jamen Bruce Venable, age 42, passed away at his residence in Tempe, AZ, on August 3, 2020. He was born August 13, 1977. Jamen graduated from Flora High School in 1995. The first semester of his senior year of college he worked at IBM in Austin, TX. After graduating college, he moved to Mesa, AZ and began working for Intel Corporation with the Product Development Team as an electrical engineer at the Chandler, AZ campus. He was with Intel for fifteen years.
Jamen was certified as a personal trainer and developed a passion for Jiu Jitsu after meeting Christopher Lopez and Rob Marchese at Lopez Martial Arts. These three became like brothers as they taught classes together and attended competitions with students. Jamen earned belts and medals in Jiu Jitsu including Arizona State Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.
Jamen became a professional musician playing guitar, singing with bands, and performing at open mic nights. Videos can be seen on facebook.com/discobanjo and youtube.com/discobanjo.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather: Donna and Ron Gambrel Sr. of Flora; a sister: Kali (Ryan) Strong of Flora; and step-brothers: Ron Gambrel Jr. of Geff and Scott (Maxine) Gambrel of Salem.
Family includes aunts and uncles: Janet (Mike) Barber of Columbia, Phil (Lavonne) Kemmerer of Louisville, Carol Poehler of Flora, and Pat Venable of Mattoon; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He is preceded in death by his father: Curtis Michael Venable; maternal grandparents: Donald and Helen Kemmerer; and paternal grandparents: Nolan and Liz Venable.
A graveside memorial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora. Local arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Santa’s Smiles c/o Mary Ann Pittman and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com
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Donna, I’m so very sorry to learn about your son. Donna, I truly understand the loss of a child so please know I will be praying for you and your family.
Sending our sympathy for the family. So sorry to hear.
Words can't express the sorrow. Jamen was just a young boy when our families was brought together. Lots of love and memories. Prayers for Jamen's family. Rest in Peace😭😭
I am so sorry for your loss . Jamen will be truly missed by all he touched and that had the privilege to know him. This came as a HUGE shock to all of us in the music community here Arizona. I had the joy of singing with him several times& watching him grow as a artist in his craft. I have run a couple of open mics over the years here in Phoenix.This is very very sad news indeed . I know his light & energy will go on for eternity. Someone with such a gigantic spirit can only fly.Sending my love & healing light to you & your family through this time. Love~ Jeordie
Donna and Kali and family, So very sorry for your loss. Our caring thoughts and prayers are with you to get through these sad times. Here is hoping all of the memories of Jamen will remain in your hearts forever. Bless your family.
Prayers to the family.
We are praying for you during this time! Love and Hugs, Crystal, Sammy and Joseph Downen
Sorry for your loss. You have our sympathy.
I will miss you greatly my friend and brother!
My heart is breaking to learn of Jamen’s death! There is no greater pain than the loss of your child! I can still see him walking down the halls of dear old FHS! Prayers as you struggle to cope with this great loss!
Our condolences to you in this difficult time. We are happy to have known Jamen through his music at Open Mic nite in Phx . RIP Jamen and Godspeed. We miss you. 🎸✝️❤
Donna, Kali, & family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dearest friend donna, I cannot even imagine your pain. I pray for comfort for you in this terribly dark time.
So sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful and successful guy. Sympathy to the entire family.
So sorry for this loss in your family, may you all find comfort in your memories and sharing about your love for him and may his soul rest in peace in Heaven.
You will ne forever missed. Such a great loss for such a young man. Prayers to the family. RIP Jamen!
Kali and family We send our heartfelt condolences and are keeping you in our hearts and prayers, now and in the days to come. May The Lord, the support of friends and family, and fond memories give you strength.
The family of Jamen Venable. My dear (Donna)Jeannie and Kali and Janet. I was shocked to hear of your loss ! Please know I am thinking of you and praying that God will give you strength and understanding through this difficult time of losing Jamen! I know how proud you must have been of him and his accomplishments. I wish I could be there personally with you during such a difficult time. But please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Comfort and love to you and Kali and Janet and to the rest of the family. I will miss being with you ! Jeanne Walsh(Kansas City)
Jean and Ron, I am so sorry for your loss. Jean - Losing your child is unimaginable and my heart goes out to you. Praying for you both and Kali.
I am so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort all of you and give you peace of mind in the coming days.
jean: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. , our prayers are with you all, Philip and his family, Janet and her husband,The Venable families, and many friends and additional family members !!!!!!!!! The loss of a son or daughter is almost the most unbearable thing that can happen to a parent!!!!!!!May you find peace and comfort knowing God is by your side and walking with you!!!!!! You are in our prayers!!!!!!!!!!!! Jim and Sandy Sulsberger.
I only knew Jamen for a short period of time, training with him at Lopez BJJ. Jamen was the epitome of a great training partner! He was courteous, thoughtful but very competitive. In our conversations, i was always impressed with his humble demeanor. Very heartbroken to hear of his passing. My humble prayer is comfort to his family, friends and loved ones.
Jamen was an open mic buddy of ours and was one of my number one supporters. I will always remember his sweet voice and sweet personality. He was a doll!
Our sincerest condolences. Jamen was my jiu jitsu brother of 10 years. He was was always extremely supportive to my whole family. I will keep one of our last competition memories close. Las Vegas 2018 Jamen as well as myself and my wife and kids all met up for a competition. Wasn't planned but we all got to spend the day competing what we love doing and winning a few matches. After we all enjoyed a great night having dinner amd enjoy music at The Hard Rock Cafe. He was as genuine a person as there could be. We will all keep his gentle manner, his friendship and his memory close.
Donna... I'm so sorry for your loss I will keep you in my prayers...
Donna, you probably don't remember me, but I was one of your students in 6th grade and one from when you and Mike work with kids at 1st Christian church. I always thought you two were the greatest! Mike would been proud of you son. Pray they seeing each other again now! Love to your family! Leesa
So sorry for your loss.I went school with Jamen.this is hard to see.prayers for all...
Jamen was my jiu jitsu brother and great friend for 5 years. I will always remember his smile and laugh. He had a way of connecting with others and making them feel safe. One of my favorite memories was going to the last Linkin Park concert together and hitting up the bar afterwards only to realize that we didn't even notice the earthquake because we were too busy talking. Sending my deepest condolences. RIP my friend. I miss you so much
My sincere condolences on your loss. I knew Jamen from the "Pranksters crew" some years ago, and then Jamen would be the first musician at the open mic I hosted, and I saw him at other open mics a lot as well. He was a great musician and will be missed immensely.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
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