James Edward Sampson

James Edward Sampson was born on August 3, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to late Major Sampson and Amanda Bessick. Although from the big city, he was raised in Chestertown, Maryland. “Jimmy”, as he was known by many friends and family, was educated in the Kent County Public School System. He graduated from Henry Highland Garnet High School in 1960. Jimmy went on to take college level coursework related in Contract Negations, Labor Law, and Labor Advocacy from the former George Meany National Labor College and George Washington University. Jimmy worked for over 30 years, organizing and supporting unions in the DC, Maryland and Virginia Metropolitan Area. He was first employed as a Business Manager for Service Employees International Union. He then went on to work as a Business Manager for Laborers International Union (Local #571). After his retirement, he worked for Crossroads Inc., Washington College, Roses, and Dollar Tree. One of his many joys was being a substitute teacher for Kent County Public Schools. In addition, he had a side hustle, which started in his youth, as a Barber and Beautician. Faith was important to Jimmy. He was a member of Janes United Methodist Church. At Janes, he was Chair of the SPRC, sung on the choir and was a member of the United Methodist Men. Jimmy was very active in the community he was a Member of the Thomas H. Kiah Lodge No. 101 of F&AM of Rock Hall, Maryland. He also served as an Overnight Supervisor for the Local Emergency Homeless Winter Shelter. Jimmy was a dedicated member of the 101 Voice Mass Choir of Kent County. Jimmy enjoyed many things: traveling, listening to the sounds of gospel, R&B and Jazz, going to cookouts, singing, cooking, teaching, history and food. More importantly, he loved his family and friends. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; four brothers; and one, son RoShawn Sampson. Jimmy leaves his cherished memories to his five children, Rondel Sampson (Carol) of Washington, DC, Doretha Johnson of Newark, DE, Crystal Bowser (Wayne) of Clermont, FL, Eric Forbes of Washington, DC, Amanda Reaves (Patrick) of Stafford, Virginia, and Vondell Forbes (Selena) of Washington, DC. In addition, he leaves 27 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lovingly Submitted by The Family

James Edward Sampson

August 3, 1942 - October 18, 2019