James Joseph Sam, Sr.

Life is but a stopping place. A pause in whats to be a resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths along the way. We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay... Our destination is a place far greater than we know. For some the journeys quicker, for some the journeys slow. And when the journey finally ends, well claim a great reward, and find an everlasting peace together with the Lord. At 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2009, James Joseph Jimmy Sam Sr. found that peace and freedom from his pain and suffering as he passed away peacefully at his home, lovingly surrounded by his family. A lifetime resident of St. Martinville, he was born on July 9, 1933, to Alcee J. Sam and Cora Lopez Sam. He leaves to mourn his passing, his devoted and loving wife of 47 years Sidney Mae Mitchell Sam; three sons, James Joseph Sam Jr., Clyde Joseph Sam and Vincent Gregory Greg Sam, all of St. Martinville; one brother, Nolan J. Sam of St. Martinville; three sisters, Sr. Beulah Sam of New Orleans, Mrs. Annabelle Hicks of Vicksburg, Miss., and Mrs. Betty Jane Wyche of Houston, Texas:, seven grandchildren, Quincy Sam of Arlington, Texas, Quinlynn Sam, James L. Sam, Jamie L. Sam, Jessica L. Francois, James J. Sam III and Derrick D. Sam, all of St. Martinville; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Jimmy was employed at the former local Jack Knight Service Station for many years. Later he moved into construction work with T.L. James Construction Co.; and finally went on to the offshore drilling industry, where he worked for Zapata Offshore Drilling for 19 years. A serious injury on this job forced his retirement due to permanent disability. He was well loved by all who knew him because of his carefree personality and happy-go-lucky spirit. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. Jimmy loved being outdoors. Fishing was his greatest sport. He also enjoyed barbecueing for his family and friends, and working in his yard. Jimmy was always willing and ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was always there for his neighbors; and in a special way for those who were ill. In recent years, he was diagnosed with two debilitating diseases, Alzheimers and Parkinson, which over a period of time slowly rendered him incapacitated. Few of us know how we would cope with a lingering illness. Most of us, if we were honest, would hope for a quick death. However, Jimmy had immense courage and he faced his long drawn out illnesses with dignity. He died slowly and painfully. He suffered and in his suffering taught those closest to him patience and acceptance. Sometimes of course, he grew angry at his suffering and that showed them his humanity. His wife is to be admired for her strength and perseverance in the beautiful way in which she cared for him throughout the years of his illness. She truly exemplified the true meaning of in sickness and in health until death do us part. He was preceded in death by Iris parents; one brother, Jack Sam; three aunts, Mrs. Admonia Telpho, Mrs. Edith Griffin and Mrs. Mildred Thibodeaux; and Prince, his beloved pet Chow-Chow. Jimmy wont sit on the bayou bank anymore. He wont cast his fly again, but we know today he has taken his place with the other fishermen who Christ called to follow him. Just as the mist rises then vanished way down the stream, Jimmy too has come and then left us. Today it seems like a dream that he was so much part of our lives that he lived and loved as we do. Now he has left our hearts and his earthly home, like the fish that a fisherman threw back in the stream, to go on its way, and that is what Jimmy is doing today as he drifts from sight, we know that he, like the catfish leap will always be here in our memories deep. Jimmy Sam has gone home now, guided by his faith and by the light of those he has loved and lost. At last he is with them once more, leaving those of us who grieve his passing with memories he gave and the good that he did. As we know so well, the passage of time never really heals the tragic memory of the loss of a loved one, but we carry on, because our loved one would want us to, and because there is still light to guide us in the world from the love they gave us. We carry on. In closing, Id like to suggest something to you. Dont mourn; dont be sad. Jimmy wouldnt have wanted that. Instead remember the good times; remember his laughter, remember his jokes, remember him drinking an iced cold beer, remember him happily, and remember him often. Now that is how he would want us to feel. Acknowledgements On behalf of the family I would like to express their deepest appreciation for all the prayers to the Notre Dame Faith Community, Rev. Father Augustinus Seran, SVD, Pastor, and Rev. Father Justin Arockiasamy, SVD, Associate Pastor. Special thanks to Dr. Mitchell Dugas and his staff, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Acadiana Home Health, and Heart of Hospice for their loving care. Thanks also to the relatives and friends who have provided such comfort by their prayers and the many acts of loving kindness shown to the Sam family over the past months and days, the flowers and cards and calls of condolences. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered. Jimmy would have appreciated all your thoughts. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in St. Martinville, with interment following at Queen of Peace Cemetery. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. A rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.