Obituary from the Spokesman Review, December 14, 2016:

SAMS, Jean D. (Age 71).

Our father, grandfather and husband unexpectedly, but peacefully, left us to be with the Lord on December 12, 2016 at his home in Spangle. He was born August 16, 1945 to Clifford and Frances (McClurg) Sams in Spokane, WA. Jean was a graduate of Lewis & Clark, Class of 1963.  Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Army.  After completing his service he attended Eastern Washington University where he earned degrees in Business Administration and Accounting.  After college, he worked as a tax accountant for Old National Bank but soon became restless with his desk job.  Upon his father's retirement from International Harvester in Spokane, Jean stepped into his father's shoes as a heavy equipment mechanic.  He eventually became a certified master machanic  and worked there for many years.  He also worked for Williams Equipment/Kenworth and Durham School Transportation, from which he retired.  He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dianne (Tenneson) Sams at the home in Spangle, WA, their son Kent Sams of Boise, ID, their daughter, Traci Widick (Troy) of Spokane, WA and grandchildren Nicholas, Trent and Trianna.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, at Spangle Community Church followed by burial at Spokane Memorial Gardens Cemetry.