James Sams
James Arnold Sams was born Nov. 15, 1929, in Trail, British Columbia, and died surrounded by loved ones at his home on Sept. 22, 2021, in Post Falls, Idaho. He was raised for most of his childhood in Twin Lakes, Idaho, and graduated from Rathdrum High School in 1948. He joined the United States Navy in 1950 and served until 1954 during the Korean War. He became a photographer and was often assigned to take strategic photos.
After returning home, he met his wife, Ina Lulu Bocook, and soon they were married on Aug. 28, 1954. They shared a long-lasting love for almost 60 years. He went to Kinman Business University and earned his degree to become an accountant in 1964. He worked in Data Processing in the 1960s and incorporated computers into his Bookkeeping and Tax Service in the 1980s. Throughout his life he embraced technological changes and enjoyed the challenges of learning new things. He later found joy in simulator computer games where he could fly airplanes around the world or drive semi-trucks through Europe.
He loved the outdoors, whether it was fishing, rockhounding, huckleberry picking, getting firewood and even tried gold panning. A simple walk in the woods would often turn into a safari, as he never chose the easy path. When he retired in Soap Lake, Wash., he quickly started exploring the desert around him and often took his grandchildren on these adventures. They would bring home stories that would leave your mouth dropping open.
James had a great sense of humor and would do anything for a laugh. He was often blunt but if you returned it with a quick comeback, it made him smile. He was also very compassionate. All his life he was willing to help those in need, helping repair or build things or loan money that he knew could not be returned. Even though he always lived the Christian way of life, it wasn't until he was in his late 60s that he became baptized at the Dungeness Creek near Port Angeles, Wash. Afterward he spent much of his time helping with the remodel of the old church of the Firstborn in Spokane. While he was still able to drive, he traveled around to meet many of the Brethren.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Ina Sams, in 2014 and his only son, James Arnold Sams Jr., in 1957; his parents, Harold Sams and Elizabeth Renshaw Sams Teitsort; three brothers, Dean, Ronald and Eugene Sams; and two sisters, Betty Winey and Carol Anglan. He is survived by one brother, Wayne Sams of Spokane.
He is survived by his daughters, Rhonda Sams Vig, (honorary daughter) Crystal Jensen both of Post Falls, Cynthia Bocook of Spokane and Nancy Haller of Coeur d'Alene. His grandchildren Brinda (and Jamie) Schendel of Spokane, Robert (and Gigi) Draggoo, Nicole Vig, Miranda Columbus and Andrew Vig, all of Post Falls. Kevin Bocook, Jared (and Sara) Bocook both of Spokane. Derek (and Nicole) Haller of Rathdrum, Gunner Haller, Anna (and Ben) Andrews and John Sams, all of Coeur d'Alene.
He is also survived by great-grandchildren: (Brinda's) Max, James, and Lacey Seidler, Skyra and Jacan Schendel. (Robert's) Mercedes and CJ Draggoo, (Miranda's) Mason Columbus, (Kevin's) Jennifer and Jessica Bocook, (Jared's) Domenico and Chiara Bocook, (Gunner's) Isaiah Haller, (Derek's) Mason, Austin and Avery Haller, (Anna's) Sylas Landsiedel. Also, two great-great grandchildren: (Max's) Kasha and Hudson Seidler. And numerous nieces and nephews.
James will be laid to rest at Washington State Veterans Cemetery, where he will join his wife, Ina. Please visit James’ online memorial for service details at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com
