CLINTON — James R. Sams, 79 of Clinton, passed away at 9:30 a.m. on December 25, 2020, at his family home in Clinton.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, with Pastor Darrell Howard officiating.  Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Clinton United Methodist Church or the Cancer Care Center of Decatur.

Jim was born on May 15, 1941, in Kenney, the son of Kenneth and Vera (Brady) Sams. He married Norma Jean Hart on November 5, 1961, in Clinton. She passed away on July 12, 2017.

Survivors include his children, Roger (Diana) Sams, Bellevue, Neb.; and Janelle (Brad) Thomas, Clinton; four grandchildren, Collin Sams, Truax Field A.F.B., Madison, Wis.; Ross Thomas; Paige (Clayton) Dunn; and Reid Thomas, all of Clinton; and one great-grandson on the way; siblings,  Joan Koons, Clinton; Dixie (Fred) Maul, East Alton, Ill.; Connie (John) Herington, Warrensburg; Kay (Bill) Meeker, North Henderson, Ill.; Ken (Jean) Sams, Clinton; Mary (Nolan) Stanley, Prince George, Va.: Peggy Kaufman, Danvers; Ron (Janice) Sams, Kenney; Sue (Randy) Reeter, Mt. Pulaski; Patti (Jim) Horton, Bourbonnais, Ill.; and Jo Ellen (Pat) Walsh, Mt. Pulaski; sister-in-law, Susie Sams, Clinton; and special friend, Carol Brisard, Clinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard.

Jim was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church.  He started working at Revere Copper & Brass, Inc., in Clinton, in 1961 before retiring in 1999.  Jim was a member of the Elks Lodge, in Clinton, a Golden Eagle at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a 50-year member of the DeWitt Lodge AF & AM.  He was also a member of the DeWitt County Farm Bureau and served on the Clinton Sanitation District Board.  Jim enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Collectors of Illinois Pottery and Stoneware.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com