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Jerome "Jerry" Sam, 76, was born Saturday, July 6, 1940, in Nespelem, Washington, to the home of Harry and Christine James-Sam and passed away Saturday morning, September 17, 2016, from the Colville Tribal Convalescent Center in Nespelem, Washington. A lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Mission in Nespelem, in recent years Jerry loved assisting Father Jake Morton as his bell ringer for masses at the Convalescent Center. Jerry's childhood was spent at his family's homes at Buffalo Lake and North Star, and throughout his life Jerry's favorite times were always summers spent at Buffalo Lake. He crafted beautiful beadwork, enjoyed Pow Wows and Rodeoing, but Jerry especially loved being around little children.

Predeceased by both of his parents, Harry Sam and Christine James-Sam; siblings: Alex Sam, Isabelle (Gilbert) Cleoparty, Raymond Sam, William "Rusty" Sam, Sylvester Sam, Gabriel Sam (infant), Joseph Sam (infant) and Daniel Sam (infant).

Jerry is survived by his sister, Adeline Fredin; brother, Gene (Kathleen) Sam; sister, Angie (Francis) Timentwa; Auntie Pauline Covington-Stensgar and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins too numerous to name here.

Each of Jerry's family members wish to express their appreciation to the wonderful men and women who work at the Colville Tribal Convalescent Center, for their tireless, compassionate caring for Jerry during his years with them.

Jerry's dressing took place Monday, September 19, 2016, at 10 a.m., in Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington; a recitation of the Rosary that evening at 7 p.m., in the Nespelem Catholic Longhouse; a 10 a.m., Mass Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at Sacred Heart Mission in Nespelem followed by burial in the Nespelem Catholic Cemetery.

Please sign Jerry's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington, is honored to be serving his family.