Roll Call Tribute

Samuel Reed James 
June 1, 1994 - June 23, 2023 

Samuel Reed James was born on June 1st, 1994 to Donna and Russell James in Fort Worth, Texas. Sam was a 2013 graduate of Arlington Heights High School and a proud Former Student of Texas A&M University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism.

Sam began his working career with Resideo and built several meaningful and long lasting relationships during his tenure there. Later joining WE Communications focusing on external public relations efforts for Microsoft. Colleagues describe Sam as incredibly curious, deeply caring, and eternally optimistic.

Sam went to be with our Heavenly Father on June 23, 2023, not long after celebrating his 29th birthday. Although born with a severe heart condition leading to surgery at 6 months of age, Sam enjoyed normal health without setback throughout his latter childhood and young adult life.

If you know much about Sam then you know how extremely active, healthy and adventurous he was! He loved the outdoors; whether going to the lake with his grandparents, shooting clays with his dad or biking with friends, Sam was at home outside. Fewer things made Sam as happy as a canoe or paddleboard with Yogi.

One of Sam’s greatest adventures was a trek to Utah in his restored forerunner with only his bike, a polaroid camera and his best friend, Yogi. He spent the nights sleeping under the stars to arise to either hike, swim or ride the day away, just Sam and Yogi. He truly enjoyed more adventure and experience in his 29 years than most do in a lifetime.

Sam’s life philosophy was to always just say “yes”. Yes to all of the adventures; yes to always hanging out and making time for others; yes to always helping a friend. Sam truly embodied God’s call for us to love one another. Sam had an immense zeal for the Lord that was noticeably stronger in the last year of his life which is no coincidence in Gods perfect timing.

At this moment only God Almighty knows exactly how or why Sam left this life. Sam was “house sitting” a friend’s apartment in Austin when he was seen by a neighbor collapsing onto the ground around 7:30am after returning from a workout. Sam remained unresponsive even after EMTs arrived. We find comfort knowing he took his last breath on earth and the next in Heaven with no suffering in between.

We are forever grateful for the precious time he was able to spend with his family and many friends especially just prior to his passing and we continue to hear of future plans that Sam had made with so many others that were dear to him. Sam demonstrated his value and love for others by keeping in touch with them. Sam intentionally invested in the lives of all of his family and friends.

It is our prayer that others can not only find comfort in knowing Sam is not suffering the pain or sadness of this world but rather hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21). We encourage everyone to try to live and love like Sam. How different would our world be if we all truly loved every stranger as family? How much greater, if our actions and words were loving and kind to all? How many souls might be saved if we simply said “Yes”? Oh to have a friend like that!

Sam is proceeded in death by his grandfather Bill James, Aunt, Diana Vogel, and close friends Nicholas Duvall and Dalton Jones. Sam is survived by his parents, Donna and Russell James, his brother Alex and sister Andi; his grandparents Bill and Janice Reed, Marie James along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, beloved nieces and nephews and of course Yogi.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Sam’s life with us at 2pm on Friday, June 30, 2023 at Paradox Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Donations can be made in Sam’s honor to help start new churches via Lake City Church (www.mylakecity.org) and plants/flowers will be received at Biggers Funeral Home at 6100 Azle Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76135.