Lt. Colonel James Harvey Sams, retired, age 85, passed away March 22, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia. Born August 31, 1923, he was the son of Avy and Grace Fowler Sams. James graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and The Ohio State University. He retired from the U.S. Army with 35 years of service and also retired as a financial officer at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Kenneth C. Flick; and nephews, Jerry Holden, William J. Bethea, and Glynn D. Bethea, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mrs. Mary C. Holden.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield conducted by Rev. Christopher Thomas. Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Mansfield Cemetery.
