Bob Jamison and Dr. Phil at the “Money Hole” in his cypress swamp.
Long before characterization as domestic terrorists, Astroturf, or American Taliban, a number of Texas Gulf Coast regular citizens met on 16 April 2009 in a gathering designated as Tea Party folks to share ideas and discuss issues. This occasion provided a vital link to enable Gator Man and Dr. Lechter in becoming acquainted. As with many covert operations, there was required to be an intermediary who provided the link of initial communication. The vehicle of this connection was “The Dolphin Talk” which is published monthly in Pt. O’Connor, Texas. Dr. Lechter had written an open letter to his senator describing the peaceful, yet deeply concerned, citizenry of the Calhoun County area populace at the 2009 Tea Party meeting.
This letter was noted by Gator Man, a regular contributor to “Dolphin Talk” on a wide variety of topics from history to wildlife and even the potential of olive tree orchards in Texas. The two parties shared many similar world view ideas regarding America, politics, and freedom. They also shared a deep love for the joys of nature and wildlife as well as a fascination with the American alligator. Dr. Lechter learned that Gator Man had written an entrancing account of life in the small East Texas town of Dayton which detailed rich history of the area over the previous half century as well as numerous anecdotes of “good ol’ boys” shenanigans. A reading of “Airplanes, Alligators, and High Fin Blues” convinced Dr. Lechter that he must meet this author of this delightful tome. In childhood, Dr. Lechter had a pet alligator as well as encounters with them along the Texas Gulf Coast; he had also had some lively episodes in small aircraft with long time friend and retired jet pilot, Col. (Smilin’) Jack. High Fin Blues turned out to be the nomenclature of the prized Trinity River blue catfish that Gator Man and his contemporaries had harvested for many years.
Telephone contact was made with Gator Man readily agreeing to a visit from Col. Jack and Dr. Lechter, and that motel was unnecessary since he had a large hut with dirt floor that could accommodate several guests easily. Plans for a visit were set for Col. Jack and Dr. Lechter to visit Gator Man in June, 2010; only Dr. Lechter was able to make the trip with perfect directions to an expansive, castle-like home with beautifully kept gardens and a most inviting entry. The doctor was greeted by a tall, slender and thoroughly friendly gentleman who ushered him inside to meet his lovely wife. There was instant camaraderie and impression that this would be a most memorable time. Shortly after exchange of pleasantries, Gator Man and his wife shared that they had been questioned seriously by friends on the wisdom of having some strange doctor they’d never met as a house guest. Dr. Lechter admitted that some folks had advised him that he might become “gator bait!”
After being comfortably settled in one of several guest rooms, Gator Man led Dr. L. on a tour of the grounds, the gardens, and the “Folly House” structure just below their home, with giant walk-in wine cellar overlooking an expanse of water from above. They then set off in a golf cart to see more of the gator hunting area. Brush became thicker so we exited the cart to head a bit down a wooded path. The good doctor might have felt a twinge of apprehension as Gartor Man pulled out a 3 foot long machete to head down the trail. That implement, however, was only to dispatch the spider webs of the afternoon. Whew! One of the usual gator catching spots was toured, methods were explained, and the paddle boat with zero turning radius flounder rig invented by Gator Man was inspected.
Bob with gator in 2010. This was his last gator hunt as it was too dry in 2011 for any hunts, and then Bob became ill. These photos were taken during my visit to Dayton in June ‘10. It was surely a trip to remember! -John Long
Several volumes would be required to detail all the events packed into this overnight visit. A brief summary will have to suffice. The evening brought forth an elegant multi-course gourmet meal that could have well graced Buckingham Palace or the official yellow White House Dining Room. Some most special guests of longtime Dayton residence joined us for the meal, bringing great treasures of local lore from their memory as well as clippings and photos of McGinty’s drug store that had been the place of origin of many of the tales related in Gator Man’s book. To list all the delicacies of this dinner would take several paragraphs; suffice it to say that the cocktail appetizer of crab meat, mango, and avocado construction still tantalizes the taste buds.
The next morning was a whirlwind tour of local lore and history of the area as we were joined by Dr. Phil, a history buff from Houston who had admired Gator Man’s book and style. There was an extended tour of the gator habitats and then a visit through misty morning cypress swamps to see the *Money Hole site of lore. This adventure was followed by tour of the Dayton Civic Center, state of the art library; local landmarks including Mc Ginty’s drug store, and then being steeped in Texas history especially by Mrs. Gator as we travelled to Liberty, TX. There we were privileged to a guided tour of the restored Texas Governor’s Mansion, the Museum still in process of being assembled, and multiple historic structures being preserved. With background as D.A.R., Mrs. Gator was both involved and quite well informed on a wide variety of Texas history as was Gator Man.
Those of you who regularly read “Dolphin Talk” have certainly identified Gator Man as Mr. J.R. “Bob” Jamison, a regular contributor of articles to this publication. There cannot be enough accolades given to his lovely wife, Linda, nor to the Jamisons for their true Texas Hospitality.
Respectfully,
John M. Long, M.D. (A.k.a. Dr. Lechter)
Bob's invention of a zero radius turning QUIET flounder boat that he devised using parts from an old zero radius turning lawnmower; he devised the rest.
Linda and Bob Jamison in front of the 4-poster bed in the replica Governor’s Mansion in Liberty.
Obituary
J.R. “Bob” Jamison
Bob Jamison was a faithful contributor to Dolphin Talk for many years. We were very pleased to share his stories with our readers and certainly miss his contributions. Please see the article on page 9 by John Long.
J.R. “Bob” Jamison, 82, born and raised in Dayton, Liberty County, Texas, died at home outside of Dayton, Texas on Monday, October 1, 2012.
Bob attended public schools in Dayton and received a B.A. degree in Finance from Sam Houston University in Huntsville. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was attached to S.H.A.F.E. in Paris, France.
Bob served as an avid sportsman, conservationist, businessman, writer and patriot serving his community in numerous ways. He was Chairman of the Board of Dayton State Bank, belonged to the American Bankers Association and Texas Bankers Association and numerous other professional organizations. He was a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge. Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday School teacher, Board of Stewards and Administrative Council. He was State Chairman of Ducks Unlimited and served on the National Board for many years. He served as a 25 year member of Dayton Volunteer Fire Department, on the Dayton City Council, and was Liberty-Dayton Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year”. Bob was author of “Airplanes, Alligators and Hi-Fin Blues”, feature columnist for The Liberty Gazette newspaper, other newspapers, magazines, and sporting publications, as well as a member of the Texas Writers Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W.T. Jamison and Allene Solomon Jamison of Dayton; sister Allen Jamison Hodges of Stephenville, sister Louise Jamison Clark of Dayton, and brother W.T. “Bill” Jamison, Jr. of Dayton. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda McGowan Jamison of Dayton, son Pete Michael Jamison of Dayton, daughter, Ann Jamison of Houston, sister, Dorothy Jamison Tate of Houston, numerous nephews, nieces, and “greats” and special friends.
