LEWISTON: James Howard Sampson, 80, of Auburn passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 10, 2018 at CMMC with his loving children by his side. He was born in Turner on December 2, 1937. He grew up in the Turner area and was a proud graduate of Leavitt Institute, class of 1956. A short time after high school, James enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country. While in the Army, he was recognized three times receiving accommodations for Outstanding Service from his commanding officers. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned home. On February 28, 1970 he married the love of his life, Joan and became a loving and nurturing father to her five children. They would later have a son of their own. He cherished spending quality time with his family. He quickly became a role model and mentor for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. James was a very successful, hard working man enjoying a long career of over thirty years at Pioneer Plastics as a Manager and Supervisor until his retirement. During his time at Pioneer he developed many friendships, but none more special then the bond with “his buddy” Wayne Jordan and his wife Charlene. The friends enjoyed many special breakfast dates together at Roy’s during their retirement years. Jim was an avid sports fan, but he developed a particular passion for the Boston Celtics and Red Sox. He will always be remembered for his love of “digging” in the garden, watching the birds out back and being outdoors. Jim will be remembered as a kind, gentleman with incredible patience. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke you knew it was important to listen. He will be deeply missed by many.
Jim is survived by his six children; Jane Turcotte and her husband Roger of Auburn, Becky Miller and her husband Ron of Winthrop, Richard Burns of Auburn, Mark Burns and his wife Tammy of Wales, Robin Failing and her husband Todd of Gloversville, NY and Todd Sampson and his wife Alison of Auburn. He also leaves behind his twelve grandchildren; Samantha, Sabrina, Ross, Dawn Amber, Elizabeth, Dalton, Ronald, Jovonna, Marcus, Mack, Will and Hannah, his five great-grandchildren; Brandon, Emily, Cole, Ashton and Deacon as well as his two sisters; Nancy Jacobs and Diane Gammon and his two brothers; Stanley Sampson and David Meader. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan and his mother, Ruby.
Condolences may be shared online with James’ family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com
Visitation will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Saturday April 21, 2018 from 11-1pm followed by a celebration of his life at 1pm, also at the funeral home. Committal prayers with Military Honors will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn. Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in James’ memory to the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer, Hope and Healing 29 Lowell St. Lewiston, ME 04240.
Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group\Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.
