James Samuel ‘Sam’ White Sr., 75, of Granville, passed away at 11:19 p.m., Saturday, December 30, 2023, at his son’s home, in the company of his three loving children.

Born Jan. 20, 1948, in Lewistown, he was a son of the late George F. and Miriam E. (Snavely) White Copenhaver, and stepson of the late Donald Copenhaver.  In addition to his parents and stepfather, he was preceded in death by siblings, Dennis White, Thomas White, Stella Mae (White) Hackett, and an infant sister, Lois White.

Sam is survived by: his companion, Jesse Jacobs, of Granville; three children, James S. White Jr. and wife, Theresa, of Lewistown, Shelli Felton and husband, Steve, of Reedsville, and Edna White and husband, Paul Alsippi, of Whitefish, Montana; eight grandchildren, J. Adam White and wife, Taylor, Samuel White and wife, Makayla, Alana Felton and husband, Daniel Watling, Luke Felton, Matt Snyder and wife, Megan, Loren Robinette and husband, Shawn, Ben Snyder, and Sarah Snyder; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings, Jane Aumiller and husband, Dave, of Milroy, and Robert White and wife, Shirley, of Reedsville; and step-brothers, Steve Copenhaver and wife, Janet, of Colorado, and Jay Copenhaver and wife, Sue, of Mifflintown.

He was a Kishacoquillas High School graduate, Class of 1967.

Sam was employed as a heavy equipment operator by Glenn O. Hawbaker Construction for 30 years, and operating the equipment, particularly the Gradall, was his passion.  He had an unusual, innate understanding of machines and how to build and fix almost anything.  His home was filled with projects at various stages, a testament to his love of creating.  Sam was an avid Harley Davidson rider and enjoyed tinkering with his motorcycles as much as he did riding them. 

He loved spending time with his many grandchildren and often showed his love through acts of service, helping his family do or repair anything from roofs to cars.  Sam especially enjoyed spending time with his companion, Jesse Jacobs, of Granville, with whom he shared two playful yorkies, Stuart and Maggie.  

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 108 First Avenue, Burnham.

The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at the Burnham Funeral Home, with Rev. John Looney officiating.

Interment will take place at Centre Hall Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery.