James L Samuels

James “Jim” Leslie Samuels, age 87, of Burbank, CA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center with his wife of 47 years by his side.

Jim was born on February 24, 1935, in Wichita, KS, a son to the late Louis Daniel Samuels and Mildred Erma Saunders. He was the oldest of two brothers.

Jim attended Dodge City High School in Dodge City, KS and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Wichita.

Jim’s love of aviation began at a young age when we worked in the Kansas fields, directing crop duster planes. Becoming friendly with the pilots, he learned to fly airplanes when he was 16 years old but did not let his parents know because his mother would not allow it. In his late teens, he acquired his commercial pilot’s license.

In 1957, after graduating from the University of Wichita, he accepted a position as aeronautical research engineer with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (later becoming NASA). He worked in the aerodynamics field at the high-speed flight station in Edwards, CA. He worked closely with the test pilots, and enjoyed regaling the kids and grandkids with stories about his friend, Neil Armstrong.

After his time at Edwards, Jim accepted a position with Lockheed Corporation and worked on top secret projects with the Skunk Works team. He was a flight simulation computer programmer and was proud to be a part of the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft and F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter teams.

In the early 1990s, Jim retired from Lockheed and became a computer engineer for The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Jim completely retired in the year 2000.

Jim met and married the love of his life, Magda “Maggie” Samuels in 1975. They made their home in California and Jim’s family meant the world to him. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. Growing up, Jim’s hobbies included hunting Quail with his father and brother in Kansas with their beloved German Shorthaired Pointers. After moving to California, he became an Advanced Scuba instructor and Dive Master for Los Angeles County. Jim had a passion for singing, movies, reading books, the Dodgers, camping and road trips. He also loved Square Dancing with Maggie. In later years, he cherished the time with his grandkids and taking them to museums, the Griffith Observatory, amusement parks, and zoos.

In addition to his spouse of 47 years, Jim is survived by: his brother Louis Samuels (Danielle); his children Eneyda Spradlin-Ramos (Arturo), Stacy “Stassia” Samuels (Jeff McTear), Macey Amini (Mehran), Milder Arroliga, and Sandra Samuels; 14 Grandchildren (and spouses); 4 great-grandchildren; Stacy’s mother Diane Figueroa (Ramon); along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.