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James D. Sams October 4, 1931 - March 28, 2008 Residence: Greeley, CO Formerly of Carlsbad, NM for 57 years. He passed away from complications of Parkinson's disease which he fought courageously for over 20 years. Tribute: Born in Scranton, Arkansas to Dalton O. and Eva Gean Sams. Graduated from Paris, Ark in 1950 after marrying Frances Joan Sams in 1949. They moved to Carlsbad, NM in 1950 where James started work for the US Potash Mines. Soon after, he went to work for the US Postal Service and retired after 33 years of service. Sports were the highlight of James' life, playing high school football, basketball, and baseball. He also played semi-pro baseball in the 1954 and then men's fast pitch softball. Traveling around the small towns in NM, James officiated for high school football, basketball, and baseball. James started coaching women's softball in 1966. He was inducted into the NMASA Hall of Fame in 1992 as a coach. The city of Carlsbad named a teen-girls' softball field in his honor. Coach Sams assisted the Cavegirls high school softball team starting in 1978 continuing through his last few years in Carlsbad. Survivors: His wife, Frances J. Sams, Greeley, CO; two sons, James R. Sams and wife Grace, Tucson, AZ; Richard H. Sams and Georginni, Midland, TX; two daughters, Donna Sams, Albuquerque, NM; Carol Wohlfahrt and husband Guy, Greeley, CO; one brother, Dalton Sams, Jr, Fayetteville, AR; two sisters, Shirley Woolley and husband Charles, Fayetteville, AR; Darlene Howard, Roland, OK; four grandchildren, Andrew Sams and wife Kesley, Midland, TX; Christopher Sams , Midland, TX; Chandal Wohlfahrt, Greeley, CO; Britta Wohlfahrt, Evans, CO; and one great-grandchild, Logan Sams, Midland, TX. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Preceded in Death: His parents; wife's parents; and his brother-in-law, Monty Howard. Services: Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Sunset Church of Christ, 1308 W Blodgett St, Carlsbad, NM at 7:00 pm. Notes: Jim has had many wonderful friends over the years, but too many to list. However we would like to say a special thank you for all the help over the last few years to: John Finkbone; Barbara Montoya and family; Tom and Janice Foutch; Junior Salazar; John Tigert: Jeanie and Jimmy Mooring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the James D. Sams softball scholarship fund through the Carlsbad Foundation. To view an online obituary, sign the family guestbook and send condolences, go to www.currentargus.
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