James Ward Muldoon

James "Sam" Ward Muldoon of Columbus, Ohio and Naples, Florida passed away on January 15, 2019 in the comfort of his home with his family, friends and caregivers at his side. He was born on February 25, 1939 and grew up in Upper Arlington. Sam was dedicated to his family and friends and was well known for his spirit, humor and proud Irish heritage.

Much of Sam's life was shaped by his love of golf. At the age of 9, he started as a caddie at the Ohio State University golf course, later becoming a greens keeper and then worked in the pro shop. Sam's passion for golf blossomed into a promising amateur career. He was part of three Ohio High School State Championships along with his brother Bill at his beloved Columbus Aquinas. Sam went on to play golf at the Ohio State University lettering his senior year in 1960.

At Ohio State, Sam enjoyed his time at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and met the "Star" of his life in Nancy Belt on a blind date. Nancy finally succumbed to Sam's persistence and they married in 1961 and began a family. Despite his golf accomplishments, Sam ultimately decided to pursue a career practicing law after graduating from Ohio State. He worked during the day to help provide for his growing family and attended Franklin Law School (now Capital) as an evening student. After graduation from law school in 1965, Sam went on to launch a successful law practice, Muldoon Pemberton and Ferris, representing trucking companies before the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Public Utilities Commission. He became a member and president of both the Transportation Lawyers Association and the Association of Interstate Commerce Practitioners. Sam was well respected amongst his peers for his high ethical standards and being a strong advocate for his clients.

Sam's affection for Ohio State University Athletics did not cease after College. In 1984, Sam formed a partnership with his high school friend, Jimmy Ryan, and started College Traditions, an OSU memorabilia sportswear store located on campus. The store was a sense of great pride for Sam and is still a mainstay of many tailgaters and students attending Ohio State athletic events.

Sam enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his friends at Brookside Golf and Country Club, where he served as a Board Member and Board President, and Imperial Golf Club in Naples, Florida. He was most proud of his eight holes-in-ones and shooting his age numerous times. Sam was also the self-proclaimed best gin rummy player in Columbus.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents William and Dorothy Muldoon, brother Dr. William Muldoon, and sister Libby (John) Jenkins. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy Belt Muldoon; sister-in-law Patsy (George) Conrades (Boston, MA); daughter Kathleen Muldoon (Upper Arlington), daughter Colleen (Greg) Grabovac (Upper Arlington), son Sean (Tish) Muldoon (Louisville, KY), and son Damon (Tina) Muldoon (Upper Arlington); grandchildren - Alex Cottingham, Riley Cottingham, Samantha Grabovac, Will Grabovac, Patrick Muldoon, Jack Muldoon, Katie Muldoon, Cole Muldoon, Lydia Muldoon and Danny Muldoon; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 4-7pm, Friday February 1st at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL at 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221. Also there will be a celebration of life at 4:00pm at Brookside Golf and Country Club with a reception to follow thereafter, on February 2nd at 2770 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Worthington, OH 43235. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Sam's memory to the Evans Scholars Foundation (wgaesf.org) at One Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or express condolences.