On Wednesday, January 26^th, The Lake Denver Lake Norman Rotary welcomed Sam James of James Funeral Home as its speaker. Sam was born and raised in Huntersville, NC. When he was 16 years old, he went to work at Almond-Raymer Funeral Home in Huntersville. This is where his career as a Funeral Director started. Sam received his Bachelor of Science degree from Erskine College and an Associates degree in Funeral Services for the South Carolina College of Funeral Services. After graduation he continued working at the Almond Raymer Funeral Home serving his apprenticeship under Mr. Raymer. Later Sam was promoted to General Manager. When he graduated from the SC College of Funeral Services, he was asked to begin their online funeral service education program. He continues to teach several classes each semester there. Sam also has had the opportunity to fulfill teaching engagements in various places including China and Australia.

In 2010, Sam left Almond-Raymer Funeral Home to open James Funeral Home and has continued to provide services to the local community. His Funeral Home has won several awards from the NFDA (National Funeral Home Association). It also holds a free Funeral Pre-Planning Lunch and Learn Event. This is a 30-minute informational session on pre-planning with a question and answer period, followed by lunch. Other information can be found on the website www.jamesfuneralhome.com. James Funeral Home also owns and operates the only non-church cemetery in the area. North Lake Memorial Gardens is located approximately three miles from the funeral home and has the only consecrated Catholic grounds in the Lake Norman area and has an area set aside for the Jewish community as well.

Sam is a member of the Lake Norman Rotary and currently serves as its President. He is also on the Board member of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. Sam has one of those professions you do not hear about in everyday conversation. but at some time in your life you will need his expertise.