James "Sam" Allan Powers

 James “Sam” Allan Powers, 87, of Bexley, 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 Marsh (Alex), Emily Walker (Rio), Maggie Walker, Olivia Anderson, James Powers, Beatrice Anderson, Annie Walker, Lucy Powers, Graham Anderson, and Sam Powers; and his great-granddaughter, Harper Marsh. 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, his sister, Sarah, and his brother, David.

Sam was born to “Big Jim” and “Milly” Powers in Highland Falls, New York, on August 7, 1937. He attended Highland Falls public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. After graduating from high school, 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 and had a special interest in Cross Country. 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, just after graduating from West Point and while working at a camp. 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, Sam treasured the memories made with the friends he dearly loved.

Sam’s civilian career focused on the real estate industry. 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 from the Appraisal Institute in 1974, his CRE designation from the Counselors of Real Estate in 1994, 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.

Though Sam was not a Columbus native, he fully immersed himself in local organizations and boards. 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 and Anne were always looking to give back to those who gave so much to them. 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. In addition, Sam and Anne both established funds through the Ohio State University Neurology Department and the Bexley Community Foundation. They instilled the importance of philanthropy in their children and grandchildren.

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, Salted Maple Latte in hand. Sam had a love for photography and was always snapping pictures of those around him, with a Tito's on the rocks by his side (and an olive for Anne). 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. 

“It’s all about love. And I have had my share.”

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