Samuel R. “Skipper” James was born March 27, 1937 in Columbus, OH to John F. and Florine James. He departed this life on June 13, 2020 in Columbus, OH.
Skipper received formal education in Columbus Public Schools and graduated from North High School. He went to college at Syracuse University.
Skipper enlisted in the United States Air Force for a three- and half-year tour of duty. He was stationed in San Antonio, TX.
Skipper gave his life to Christ at an early age at Bethany Baptist Church. He was a current member of Gospel Lighthouse Church.
Skipper married the love of his life, Marva J. Smith on June 12, 1965.
Skipper was a hard and faithful worker. He worked at Grant Medical Center, Dayton Malleable Iron Company, Franklin County Children Services, and City of Columbus as an electrician.
Skipper enjoyed many hobbies including, bowling, skating, dancing, but most of all he enjoyed being a Scout Leader. He turned out 13 Eagle Scouts. He taught Karate at Pal Center, was a member of Rare Blood MMC. Columbus Wheel, CB Radio’s Key Down Club, and Friends from the Hood Social Club.
Skipper is preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Florine James; son, James Smith; brothers, John Jr, Robert Carl, Raymond Donald, and William; sister, Ana Reynolds; and mother-in-law, Alma Smith.
Skipper leaves to cherish his precious memories, faithful, loving, and devoted wife of 55 years, Marva James; loving sons, Samuel (Rose Mary) of Memphis, TN, Jace, Darryl (April) of Framingham, MI (their mother, Mary Dingus), Jerome (Gertchen), and Craig (Toronia) of Dallas, TX; siblings, Shirley Wicker, Carolyn Reynolds, Herbert (Brenda), and Arthur; 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Private Services entrusted to MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.
Entombment at Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Gospel Lighthouse Church, 600 Frebis Ave.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Continue to rely on God and know that he hears your prayers, because he cares for you truly sorry for your loss.
Earth knows no pain, heaven cannot heal. To Jerome (Gretchen) James and the entire James family, know that we are with you during this difficult times. Praying that the peace and comfort of God will be yours as you celebrate a life well lived and a father to be loved and cherished forevermore.
Earl (Pee Wee) Littlefield and Family
Our deepest Condolences to the James Family. I am a long time friend of the family and
will keep Marva and the family in our prayers.
My Condolence to the James family, i worked with Skip . with the city of Columbus , i always called him Uncle Skip. i learn so much from Skip, he was a great man and will be missed.
To the family of Skipper James. May you find strength and comfort to help you through this time of sorrow. You have our deepest condolences.MOOSE, and Rare Blood DICKSON, Tn.
Sorry For Your
loss.
TO Shirley Wicker, Herbert James and other members of (Skipper’s) family as we knew him.
Love and God Bless
Your family has my deepest condolences .
I will always remember Skip,we were Electricians for the City of Columbus.
And I remember him playing CB radio.
He was truly a real friend and
Your family has my deepest condolences .
I will always remember Skip,we were Electricians for the City of Columbus.
And I remember him playing CB radio.
He was truly a real friend .
Goodbye Captain SS312!
Skipper:
I loved you as a brother and as a father. You will live on forever in our hearts. RIP
Love Jackie and Patricia Smith
California
My deepest condolences to the James family. May you find comfort during this time. I have so many memories of our families as neighbors for so many years. Please know that each of you are in my prayers.
Peace be still my big brother loved you always and God I am sure is ready to have you in his Air Force Love Artir
Rest In Peace Uncle Skipper We will always in you in our hearts until we see you again.
We will keep you in our hearts always! Prayers for the entire family. Rest In Peace Uncle Skipper, until we see you again.
Dear Aunt Marva and Family.
Please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of your Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and Brother-in-law. I can’t express in words. Please know that myself and my family are in prayer, for you all. May your memories bring you peace and serenity. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son”. Uncle Skip is resting now. and , we can all say..”Well done thy good and faithful servant.
Love from Mardi Brown, and Family…. Canal Winchester, Ohio
Sorry about your loss our condolences. God bless ,Willie and cherry gates.
My deepest condolences to the James family
Mr. James was a great father ,brother,uncle and grandfather. My he rip and until we see each other again. Fly high
To the James family I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Skipper. My prayers are with you. Please take care Marva.
My family was a next door neighbor for many years. Skipper and Marva were the greatest people in the world for my Mom when my Dad passed. I did not live real close, they both saw to her needs like family, did everything possible for her. I can not say enough for both of them. “Skipper” will be missed by many. Marva,love you like family, will keep in touch. Platt
My Prayers and Condolences to the family on the passing of Samuel I know it’s hard but give it to God and he will lead you through it. Much love to you all.
Rest easy cousin Skipper From Loretta and Lisa
Marva and the entire James Family
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to you all for the loss of “my big brother”
as I called him. We didn’t see each other much, but we knew the love was there.
He’ll be sadly miss.
My condolences to the family. You will be truly missed.
My heartfelt condolences to Marva and family. May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Rest assured in knowing that you will see him again.
My prayers to you and family. God bless and keep you.
Love in Christ.
Sorry for your loss. God will watch over all of yours
Fellow Club Member
I just heard about the passing of Skipper. Skip always called me little brother. Marva, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Skip thru the city n became good friends with him. I will never forget him.