James Edward Sammons

Born September 12, 1919 in Newport News, VA, he attended Newport News High School, graduated from Strayer University in 1948 with a BS in Accounting.

Ed served proudly in WWII in the U.S. Army. He served from 1940 until his Honorable Discharge in 1945. He was a member of the 2nd Armored Division (“Hell On Wheels“), Co. “E“, 17th Armored Combat Engineering Battalion. He participated in a number of battle campaigns including North Africa, Sicily, D-Day Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He received numerous medals and commendations including a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Presidential Citation, and Distinguished Unit Citation, attaining the rank of Tech-5.

Ed married Beatrice Chaon, Compton, IL, in Alexandria, VA, May 4th, 1946.

His career took him to Rockford, IL, Milwaukee, WI and Bethesda, MD. He retired to Palm Harbor, FL in 1982.

He founded the 2nd Armored Division, Co. “E” Reunion Club and organized reunions for 52 years. He was a frequent contributor to “The Bulge Bugle” , and “Hell on Wheels” Bulletin.

Survivors include daughters Melanie Garland, Matthews, NC, Denise Sammons, St. Petersburg, FL, Rita Harrell, Myrtle Beach, SC and Ramona Sammons, Clearwater, FL, six grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by wife Beatrice “Bea“ Sammons, son William “Billy“, daughter Veronica Sanders and granddaughter, Angela Sanders.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church on Monday, January 30th at 11:00 a.m., 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina 28227. Burial will be at a later date at the Florida National Veterans Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl.

Memorial contributions are welcome at The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA, 70130, or www.nationalww2museum.org/.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.