James Samalon

James Steven Samalon,73, of LeClaire, IA died at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA on November 27, 2021, after battling cancer for over 12 years.

He was born on March 13, 1948 in Racine, WI to Stella (Petkus) and Stanley Samalon. The family moved to the Quad Cities in 1963 where he resided until his death. James graduated from Moline High School and earned a degree in sociology from St. Ambrose College in 1973. He honorably served six years in the Army National Guard where he met several life-long friends, including Tom Rogers and Larry Lawson.

He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local #91. James was a parishioner of Pleasant View Baptist Church, Bettendorf, IA.

Over the years, James liked to bowl, play golf, travel, and ride motorcycles. However, his major recreation was fishing/boating and just being on the Mississippi River. He loved going for a drive, finding unique collectibles, but most importantly, he loved 4-legged companions and the time outdoors he spent with his dogs. There is a reason he had so many friends. There was nothing phony about James and he was a man who could be trusted. He was a genuine person who would help anyone that needed help at any time. He was a loyal and caring person to those who knew him well and the best of neighbors.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his uncle, William Jospeh Petkus. He is survived by his fiancée, Teresa Rodgers Demspey of Hampton IL, and his brother William S Samalon (Kathleen) of Juneau, AK. He is also survived by cousins David Petkus, Paula Petkus Miller, Lori Petkus Worden, Beth Ann Petkus, Cathleen Harrington Petersen, Arthur J Harrington, Jane Harrington Heide, Deanna Dragunas Bennett and Marcia Dragunas McCutcheon as well as his aunt, Yvonne Petkus-Steinhoff.

At his request, there will be no funeral service and his remains will be cremated. There will be a Celebration of Life during the summer.