James Samuels

James Samuels, of Westport, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024.
Jim was born on May 20, 1939 to the late Samuel Samuels and late Jennie Samuels (nee Shuman) in Everett, Massachusetts. After he graduated from Revere High School in 1957, he went on to earn his A.B. at Harvard College in 1961. He served as a Lieutenant in the US Naval Reserve from 1961-1963, and earned his MBA from Babson College in 1965. He then entered the world of business, which encompassed, among many roles, executive-level positions at the Boston-based Federated Department Store's William Filene & Sons, as well as at the Zale Corporation in Dallas, Texas, where he was CEO of their fine jeweler's guild.
In 1969, he married Patricia Samuels (nee Sackman) in Stamford, Connecticut, and went on to have three children, Jonathan (Svetlana Samuels, nee Krasnokutsy), Francine, and Susan. His family was his ultimate pride and joy, far above any of the other many impressive accomplishments in his life. He was a man of penultimate integrity, kindness, warmth, and humor, not to mention his commitment to Judaism, as evidenced by his years of service at Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas, Texas, where he was President from 1993-1995. In most every aspect of his life, those around him respected him implicitly for his unmatched optimism and calm wisdom. He is truly beloved by all five of his grandchildren (Samuel, Leon, Asher, Micah, and Jacob), his three children, his daughter-in-law, his wife, and numerous family and friends.
Services will be held at Congregation Agudath Shalom in Stamford, Connecticut on March 1, 2024 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Congregation Agudath Shalom in Stamford, Connecticut, Congregation Beth El in Norwalk, Connecticut, or Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas, Texas.