James "Jim" Ross Samples

James "Jim" Ross Samples was the youngest of 12 children born July 24, 1938 to Bert and Willie Samples of Pemberton, West Virginia where Jim grew up. He left this world on February 13, 2025 survived by his sister, Jane Samples Cole of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; best friend and companion for over 20 years, Carolyn Arnold of Pittsboro, North Carolina, additionally her son, Rodney Arnold, daughter-in-law, Sharon Arnold, grandchildren, Meredith and Owen McGinley and Madeline Arnold, as well as a number of nieces and nephews, who thought the world of their "Uncle Jimmy". Jim attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia, then served in the United States Air Force for 4 years in Canine Security. After discharge from the Air Force, he attended the Southern Institute of Graphic Arts in Nashville, Tennessee and had a career as a graphic artist for 30 years. He taught electronics at Sandhills Community College in Southern Pines, North Carolina for 13 years. Jim was an accomplished musician playing various stringed instruments, guitar and banjo specifically, playing in Blue Grass festivals and on local TV in Richmond, Virginia in 1976. Jim had a happy personality and a clever wit, could sing all kinds of songs, recite poetry, and knew enough jokes for more than one lifetime. He is and will be missed by us.