James Lee Sams

James L. Sams, 80, of Elyria Township, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at home with his loving family. He was born August 18, 1934, in Marietta, OH. After graduation from Marietta High School in 1952, he served with the United States Air Force SAC Command unit in Korea and member of the Kyshu Gypsies K19-1614 Troop Carrier Squadron. He was awarded several ribbons and the Bronze Star.
James graduated from Ohio University with a Master's Degree in Education. His first teaching job was in Logan, Ohio in 1961. In 1962 he began teaching in Bay Village until he retired in 1991. His love was teaching History to the many students at Bay. In 1997 he was hired by Spitzer's Marina until 2008.
James was Past Commander of Vermilion Sail & Power Squadron, Past District Commander of United States Sail & Power Squadron District 7, Past Commodore of Beaver Creek Boat Club. He was a member of Great Lakes Cruising Club, Life Member of Ohio Education Association, Phi Kappa Delta, Life Member of Amvets in Elyria, VFW in Amherst, American Legion in Amherst, Amherst Eagles, Amherst Eagles Wednesday Golf League evenings, and Westlake Yachting Club on the Blake River.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beverly E. Sams (nee Burkey); his son, Brian E. Sams of Elyria; grandson, Jared E. Sams of Elyria; brother-in-laws, Earl L. (Sandy) Burkey of Lorain and Charles T. (Martha) Seevers of Marietta, OH; and seven nephews and seven nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L. E. Sams and Mildred (nee McGlothlin) Sams; a sister, Jeane L. Seevers; a brother, Lewis E. Sams; and a nephew, Randall L. Sams.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 9:00 pm in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. Funeral services will be Monday, October 6, 2014 at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Rev. Gary Smith, associate pastor of Broadway Assembly will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp. The Amherst Honor Guard will conduct military honors.

To send online condolences go to www.dovinfuneralhome.com.