James Matthew Sampson

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of my beloved husband, Jim Sampson, who was also a beloved father & stepfather, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle.

Jim resided in Cuyahoga Falls for most of his life and for reasons only God fully knows, it was there at his residence on Sunday, November 13, 2022, that his kind, easy-going, storytelling, jokester heart suddenly went still. He was 61.

Jim was born on February 8, 1961, in Akron Ohio to the late Carl Sampson and Norma Jean Sampson (nee Tichenor). He graduated from Woodridge High School in 1979. In 1982 he married Mary Abbate with whom he had 2 children. They divorced in 1985. In 1986 he met Marcia Henneman and in 1988 they were married.   

After high school he went on to work various jobs where he learned to operate large trucks and construction vehicles, eventually buying a truck of his own and starting his own business which, over time, grew into a small yet substantial trucking business. Even though his wife kept reminding him they were work trucks, not show trucks, he loved fixing them up and turning them into creative eye-catching vehicles whenever he could.

As a young adult he enjoyed playing softball and loved competing in tournaments. Everyone who knew Jim knew he was a car guy and for several years, he enjoyed showing and drag racing his classic cars. Later on, he entered his trucks in shows and entered them in truck pulls where he shared many hours of camaraderie with his friends.  He and his wife enjoyed for many years, rides on his motorcycles. But his great love, or obsession may be a better word, was golf. He spent many happy hours on the golf course with his buddies.

He loved his children, family, employees, neighbors, and friends. And in the winter months during heavy snows, he showed his love for those people by taking care of them in the way that he could. Which was spending hours and days plowing out the driveways of as many of those people that needed it and many as he could get to.  Every time and always per gratis.

Jim Is survived by his spouse Marcia, of 34 years; his children, Jayson Sampson, Erica (Adam) Melegari, and stepson, Brandon Henneman; grandchildren, Luca and Natalia Melegari; siblings, Jack (Lois) Sampson, Jere (Karen) Sampson, Jeff (Katy) Sampson, and Jon (fiancé Terri) Sampson; mother, Norma Sampson; many beloved nieces and nephews and of course Harry, his beloved dog who he helped rescue off the street.

Jim is predeceased by his father, Carl Sampson, his sister Jill Crater and brother-in-law Tom Crater.

Thank you to all the people who made Jim’s life special.

We will miss you so much Jim.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Jim's honor to Roses Rescue, PO Box 33, Rootstown, OH 44272 or Portage County APL, PO Box 927, Ravenna, OH 44266.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial visitation will be held December 4, 2022, from 11pm to 1pm, with a memorial service immediately following at 1pm at the Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.

The family requests informal dress for the memorial service.  Jeans, hoodies, Carhartts welcome.