James Sams

James Riley Sams, Jr., age 63, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at his residence. He was a resident of Haywood County most of his life and had also resided in Alcoa, Tennessee and Buncombe County. He was the son of the late James Riley Sams, Sr. and Elaine Trull Murphy. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Sams who died November 2, 2001. He was a United States Army veteran serving during the Vietnam era and had a special interest in the U.S. government. Jim was a 1968 graduate of Pisgah High School, attended the University of Tennessee and was a member of West Canton Baptist Church. He was very intelligent, a voracious reader, enjoyed science and astronomy, and was an avid comic book collector. Jim loved and adored his family, especially his grandchildren. He was very kind hearted. He is survived by three sons, Michael Sams and his wife, Heidi, of Canton, Jason Sams and his girlfriend, Carenna Ferguson, of Leicester, and Brian Sams and his girlfriend, Dana Clark, of Asheville; a sister, Debrah Scott of Union, South Carolina; sister-in-laws, Cathy Sharpe, Doris Sharpe, and Nancy Jones; two brothers, Terry Sams and his wife, Becky, of West Richland, Washington and Wayne Sams and his wife, Christy, of Shreveport, Louisanna; seven grandchildren, Bradley and Bryton Sams, Grant, Cameron, Lealand, Maya, and Rylan Sams; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at West Canton Baptist Church with the Reverend Jonathan Blaylock and Reverend Dan Page officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to West Canton Baptist Church, 75 Lowe Street, Canton, NC 28716.

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