James Gerald Sams
March 26, 1933 ~ December 16, 2020
Born in:
Greeneville, TN
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
James Gerald Sams of Fletcher, born March 26, 1933 to the late Harry and Beatrice Sams in Greeneville Tennessee, passed peacefully at Advent Health Hospital on December 16, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty; his brother, Joseph (Lillie) Sams of Greeneville; sons, Michael (Aleksandra) Sams of Geneva, Switzerland and Doug (Leslie) Sams of Sisters, Oregon; daughter, Tracy (Rob) Anderson of Asheville; granddaughters, Lara (Austin) Boehme of Asheville and Katarina Sams of Geneva; and grandsons, Michael (Juliana) Anderson and Matthew Anderson. He was preceded in death by his great grandson Cayden Boehme.
Gerald was a graduate of Tusculum College. He entered the Marine Corp upon graduation and rose to the rank of Captain before leaving the service in 1968. He worked for Taylor Instruments Company in Arden, NC until his retirement in 1997. He was an active member of Skyland United Methodist Church serving on various committees and served as Scoutmaster of Troop 72. He inspired others with his love of family, friends, the great outdoors and travel.
Memorials may be sent to: Skyland United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 697, Skyland, NC 28776 or to Scout Troop 72 via Skyland United Methodist Church, please note “Scouts” in the memo line of your donation. If you have questions, please call (828) 684-7283.
A service will be announced and held at a later date.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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I’m lost for words to express my feelings. I love Gerald as a brother, memories of our very close relationship will go with me forever. I pray God’s blessings Betty, Mike, Doug and Tracy. I love you all dearly.
Our church was blessed by Gerald, and I was personally blessed by his friendship. I remember the pictures and mementos he loved to share with me from his travels and he was so proud of his children amd their families. And his dedication to our Welcome Table, where he and Betty helped serve meals together at our church. I’m gonna miss that smile. Thankful to have called this special man a friend.
Thinking of you, Betty and family,
as you grieve the passing of Gerald. May the love and beautiful memories go with you.
My love and prayers are continuing, and Gerald is eternally with our God.
Thank you for a life lived as an example for everyone. I consider it an honor to have known you.
Much love,
Kathy and Carl Conley
Mrs. Sams, Mike, Doug and Tracey,
May memories of Mr. Sams and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.
I will always be thankful for having had me as part of your family.
So sorry for your loss. Gerald was always pleasant to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. To lose a loved one is always hard but with the pandemic everything is harder. Love you.
Doug and Leslie our thoughts and prayers are with you both, Doug’s mom and family.
May the memories help ease the pain of loosing your Dad.
So sorry to hear about the death of Joe’s brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn’t know Gerald but know he was an amazing guy. May God wrap His arms around each of you, bringing peace and comfort to you.
Duane and Mary Helen Clowers
Friends of Joe and Lillie
I know this is a difficult time for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are
with you during this time of loss.
I remember the last conversation I had with Gerald, he was so helpful to me and I always appreciated his gift of explanining things so clearly.
Please call me if you need anything. Blessings and Love, Jan Whiteman