James “Sam” Allan Powers, 87, of Bexley, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31st, 2024, surrounded by family.
Sam is survived by his wife, Anne; his three children, Megan Walker (Jeff), David Powers (Laura), and Heidi Anderson (Dave); his 10 grandchildren, Katie (Alex), Emily (Rio), Maggie, Olivia, James, Beatrice, Annie, Lucy, Graham, and Sam; and his great-granddaughter, Harper.
He will be dearly missed by his brother-in-law, Johnny Kochensparger (Michelle), as well as by his nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mildred, and his siblings, Sarah and David.
Sam was born in Highland Falls, New York, on August 7, 1937. He attended Highland Falls public schools from K-12. Sam attended Sullivan Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., which prepares young people for service academies. Sam attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he was part of D2 Company. He graduated in 1960 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After graduation, Sam served at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in the 101st Airborne for three years before being stationed in Verdun, France, where he served as a Captain until he transitioned to civilian life in 1964.
Sam met his wife, Anne, on Craigville Beach in Cape Cod in the summer of 1960. Their three-year long-distance relationship blossomed through handwritten letters, and though they saw each other only nine times, they married on July 13, 1963. Together, they shared 61 beautiful years and had three children. Beyond family, Sam cherished his close friendships. From golf trips (especially to Homestead and Cascades), Bridge Club Holiday Parties, winter escapes to Naples, Florida, and Ohio State Buckeye football games. After his military service, he joined the Robert W. Weiler Company, followed by Laventhal Horvath. In 1983, Sam founded U.S. Realty Consultants, Inc., a Columbus-based real estate appraisal and consulting firm. Now one of the largest valuation firms in the United States, it has offices nationwide. Sam received his MAI designation, his CRE designation, and his SGA designation from the Society of Golf Appraisers in 1995, where he also served as president. After selling the company, he remained as a director, consulting in the golf industry—a great way to phase out!
Sam was involved in various boards and groups within the real estate industry. He served as President of the Columbus Country Club, where he applied his leadership and love for golf to make impactful changes. From time spent golfing with friends to summer dinners on the patio, the CCC was one of his favorite places. Sam also served as a Past Chairman of St. Ann’s Hospital Board of Trustees. Sam credited much of his success to the education and experiences he had at West Point. He lived by the West Point motto, Duty, Honor, Country, and made consistent donations to the institution well beyond graduation. Sam will be remembered as a faithful, fierce, and loyal patriot.
His Catholic faith was close to his heart, and he was a member of St. Catharine of Siena Parish for 60 years. The Fourth of July was his favorite day of the year, and he was a dedicated West Point alumnus and proud American. Loyal to Bexley’s local hotspot, you could find him at Kittie’s Cakes every morning. At 5pm sharp, you’d find him with a Titos on the rocks (and an olive for Anne). Sam had a love for photography and was always snapping pictures of those around him. His witty and clever sense of humor will be missed by all. Sam’s family would like to extend special thanks to his incredible team of caregivers, especially Teresa Williams and her staff, who became like family over the years. Thanks also to his care team and doctors at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital, especially the team on the 19th floor. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to Ohio’s Hospice Inpatient Care Team for their loving and supportive care in his final days.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on September 6 at St. Catharine Catholic Church, 500 S. Gould, Bexley. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the West Point Association of Graduates in memory of James Powers and the Class of 1960, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements completed by EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 East Broad Street.
For donation information, please visit the Egan-Ryan website: https://www.egan-ryan.com. “It’s all about love. And I have had my share.”