Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
To Jim's family, you have our deepest sympathy. Jim was such a good friend of ours and was always such a great guy. Jim was in our wedding many years ago and we have very fond memories of Jim. He will be truly missed. Hoping you all find comfort in your wonderful memories.
Harold and Wanda Moore
August 16, 2025 | Monument, CO | Friend
Jim's family: so very sorry for your loss. I remember all the fun times we had at the Halloween costume parties at my folk's place. Always enjoyed visiting with Jim whenever I ran into him. He will be missed. Prayers for you all.
Cheryl Sikora
August 15, 2025 | Ruthven, IA | Friend
Sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Praying for strength for his family. May peace be with you all.
Rob (Adrian) Burdick
August 14, 2025 | Forest Lake, MN | Friend
Sending my Prayers to his Family
Nancy Baedke
August 14, 2025 | Plano, TX | Friend
In Loving MemoryJames "Jim" E. SampsonJuly 6, 1947 - August 13, 2025VISITATIONTuesday, August 19, 20254:00 - 7:00 P.M.Martin-Mattice Funeral Home Ruthven, IowaSERVICEWednesday, August 20, 202510:30 A.M.Zion Lutheran ChurchRuthven, IowaINTERMENT Crown Hill CemeteryRuthven, Iowa
James Emmett Sampson, son of Stanley Bruce and Arlene Helen (Clemitson) Sampson, was born July 6, 1947 in Estherville, Iowa. He received his education at Lake Center School near Terrill and graduated from Terrill High School in 1965. Jim continued his education at Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota where he studied accounting for two years.
On September 15, 1967 Jim was inducted into the United States Army, and served in Vietnam until being honorably discharged on April 24, 1969. Jim received the Purple Heart for wounds he received while serving in Vietnam.
After returning to Ruthven Jim was united in marriage to Becky Cookinham. He was employed at the Ruthven Elevator, working in accounting, management and most recently grain merchandiser, retiring after many years at the elevator. Jim was later married to Linda Huntley on December 8, 1990.
Jim was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven where he had served as a trustee. He was also a 50 year member of the Ruthven American Legion Post #33. Jim served on the River Valley Telephone Company Board and the Ruthven Enterprise Apartment Board.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors, especially golfing, hunting and trapping as well as fishing. He was an avid card player and was always ready for a game with friends and family. Jim could often be found watching Gun Smoke or the Andy Griffith Show. He also liked watching sporting events. Jim was very proud of his family. He loved every minute that he could spend with his children and grandchildren.
Jim passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at McKenna Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Arlene Sampson; his wife, Linda; brother, Art Sampson; grandson, Jacob Lee Horst; and brother-in-law, John Botos.
He is survived by his children, Pennie (James) Klepper of West Bend, Iowa, Lisa (Brad) Bublitz of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Todd (Jennifer) Sampson of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Candie (Chad Erickson) Clark of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Shona Huntley of Emmetsburg, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sister, Judy Van Der Kamp (Steve) of Ankeny, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Sue Sampson, Lona (Mike) Shepley, Janet Grant and Sharon (Ron) Foster; several nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
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