Rensselaer - James W. Sample, 80, died suddenly on Monday, August 20, 2018 at his home. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Stanley and Lulu (Schaffer) Sample. James was a truck driver for Local 294 in Albany for many years. After retirement he enjoyed working as a carpenter / handyman for family and friends. He cherished his camp on Schroon lake where he enjoyed boating and fishing with family. James also enjoyed deer hunting on his family's land in Schoharie County, casino bus trips and visiting family in Old Orchard Beach, ME. James is survived by his wife of 54 years Sharon (Roach) Sample; his daughter Susanne Sample-Brown; his grandsons, Geoffrey (Isis) Sample and Preslee (Sarah) Brown; his great-grandchildren, Lynx, Hunter and Mason; his brother Marvin Sample. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Susan Aleschus and many nieces and nephews, especially niece Shanna Fitzpatrick. James was predeceased by his siblings, Bobby, Stanley, Shirley, Virginia, Florence, Gerald and Roger. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 10:30am in the W. J. Lyons, Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 10am. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Concerns-U, 50 Herrick St. Rensselaer, NY 12144