Samuel James Jr.

Samuel Oliver James Jr, age 79, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Albuquerque, NM. He was born on April 16, 1942, to Samuel James and Rhoda Foster in New Haven, CT.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and niece.

He is survived by his four children: daughters, Theresa James and Melanie Brady (Patrick Brady); sons, Sam James (Deborah James) and Michael James; his stepchildren; his 12 grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and many cousins and extended family across America; his friends, who cherished him and whom he also called family; and his very special longtime friend Joyce Flournoy-Benjamin.

In life, Sam was a loving father, husband, mentor, honored and respected friend. Seemingly always willing to help others in need, a trait proudly brought forward from his parents, who did the same. He was a peace officer, a decorated veteran, counselor, businessman, real estate broker, investor, degreed political science major and a leader in a center he created to comfort seniors in their late lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this spring.