The Man… Mr. Samuel “ Sam” James was born to the Late Mr. Nathan James and Lucinda James in Chambers County, Alabama on August 20, 1934. He departed this earthly life Sunday, January 1, 2012 at West Georgia Health System in LaGrange, GA. He joined Evening Springs Baptist Church at an early age. Mr. Sam was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mary E. Ferrell on July 16, 1957, and into this union, six children were born. He was a graduate of Lanier High School Class of 1954.
He was preceded in death by Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Nathan James Sr.; Siblings: Nathan James Jr. and Annie Ruth Farrow; Granddaughter: Jessica Hurston James; Great granddaughter Kamryn M. Crutcher
The Legacy … Mr. James leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife Mary E James of 55 years; six devoted children, Cynthia Johnson, Sophia James, and Torris Prez James (Lanett, AL); Phyllis (Danny) Hurston (Opelika, AL); Sharon (Christopher) Jackson (Lawrenceville, GA); and Tommasena (Quentin) Huguley (Atlanta, GA); a grandson reared as his son Alton (Robin) Avery (Valley, AL); thirty-three grandchildren; thirty-one great grand children; one goddaughter Deidra (Rev. John) Frederick, Jr. (Valley, AL); one brother Solomon (Katherine) James (Lanett, AL); one aunt Lucille Askew (Lanett, AL); one sister–in-law Christine Collins (Lanett, AL); two brothers- in- law Larry Ferrell (Pine Mountain, GA) and Phillip (Patricia) Ferrell (Columbus, OH); and an array of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
The Accomplishments… “Sam” was employed with Interstate Valley Telephone Company and was the first black supervisor for many years. He was later employed with Lanett City School System until he retired. He was a regular volunteer at the Lanett Housing Authority assisting with the summer programs and building award-winning Christmas floats that will go down in history. He was known for his mouth-watering sweet potato and peach cobblers. Sam was a mentor to many children in the neighborhood. In his spare time, he spent hours sketching pictures of his grandchildren and other family members, as well as their favorite cartoon characters. One of his most admired paintings is on the nursery wall at the Pilgrim Baptist Church, Lanett, AL.