"J.C." as he was affectionately known by many, relocated to Opelousas, Louisiana and attended school in St. Landry Parish until the 7th grade and later had to quit school to work in the fields to help his family. Although he did not continue his education, he was very gifted with his hands.

In 1952 John Charles met and married the love of his life, Ethel Semien Sam. They resided in Opelousas, Louisiana until relocating to Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1956 to provide a better life for his family. He was blessed with sixteen children. J.C. was christened and reared in the Catholic faith in Carencro, Louisiana. He was one of the patriots and founding member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lake Charles, Louisiana for 59 years. He was a faithful and devoted member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church until the time of his passing. J.C. was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Usher, The Holy Name Society, and Cassio member. He saw to it that all his children were reared in the Catholic faith and attended their private school.

J.C. was a very hard working man. He provided for his family by working several jobs. First at Bordens, Gulf Furniture, Lake Charles American Press, and Stevendores as a Longshoreman. He was also the maintenance man for Big Jim Palace. He retired from Local 207 as a Foremen Supervisor. After retiring, he returned to work as a custodian for Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Knights of Peter Claver Hall. If he could not be found at home, these two places is where he could be found.

J.C. enjoyed the many weekends barbequing for different church functions and assisting with church bazaars; in his past time, he loved to fish, hunt, gardening and doing lawn. He was also known for making BBQ pits. He was a jack of all trades. Anyone who knew Mr. J.C. knew when he was home relaxing, he could be found in his doghouse as he called it, cooking, and having fun with his family and friends. One of his greatest pastime was praying the rosary with his Cassio members who would come to his house every Tuesday with lots of fellowship and drinking coffee and eating sweets.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Octave, Sr and Lortine Norman Sam; four sons, Larry James Sam, John Charles Sam, Jr. Ronald Sam, and Scotty Sam; one daughter, Nadine Sam Pea; two brothers, Octave Sam, Jr. and Carlton Sam.

"The Lord Taketh" ... "A Time to die"… Ecclesiastes 3 …

Having resided in Lake Charles, Louisiana for fifty-nine years, on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 8:10 pm and surrounded by his wife, their children and his sister, the soul of John Charles Sam, Sr peacefully took flight and returned to God who gave him life and now rests in the presence of His Everlasting Savior.

"With long life will I satisfy thee and show him my salvation." Psalm 91.

John Charles Sam, Sr leaves embracing the hearts of those whom he loved his wife of 64 years, Ethel Semien Sam of Lake Charles, Louisiana; five sons, Norman (Bonita) Sam, Christopher (Edith) Sam, Peter Sam, Thomas (Monica) Sam all of San Antonio, Texas, and Joshua (Retha) Sam of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; six daughters, Charlene (Larry) Malbrough of Church Point, Louisiana, Henrietta (Lawrence) Sterling, Sr of San Antonio, Texas, Michelle (Phillip) Derousselle of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Claudine (Anthony) Lafanette of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Yolanda Sam of Dallas, Texas, and Joyce (John) James of Austin, Texas; two sisters, Elma Sam Batiste of Lawtel, Louisiana and Willa Mae Lavergne of Port Arthur, Texas; 36 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren; godchildren, Donnel Semien, Patricia Bushnell, Mary Johnson, Marie Dimes, Ambrose Lewis, Brenda Henry, and Stephanie Gobert; and a host of other relatives and friends.

John Charles Sam, Sr was a loving husband, cherished father and dad, caring grandfather

(pa-pa), devoted brother, uncle, friend, provider, confidant and a man of wisdom who loved his family. His life touched so many lives, his smile, contagious. He was truly a special person, his memories will live on forever.

You are forever safe in the arms of Jesus. . .