Samuel James O’Connell passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017, on the land he loved in Joseph City. Services are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8181 Westover Ave. in Joseph City. Sam was brought into this world by Julie Chairamonte Reynolds and Tom O’Connell on June 1, 1957, in Winslow. He was a three-time state champion wrestler, and held a school record for fastest pin and an Arizona state record for most consecutive pins. He was an all-around high school stud at Joseph City High School. People loved to talk about his big black truck and his pretty girlfriend. After high school Sam went to work at the Arizona Public Service Co. Cholla Power Plant. He earned the position of a journeyman electrician. Sam was a son, brother, husband, father and friend. He had true lifelong friends who are still looking after him today, along with his awesome, hardworking kids, Sam Jr., Ryan and Lacey. Anyone who truly knew Sam has great stories of him. We know we haven’t heard them all and there’s still plenty of good times to hear about. Survivors include his three children; his brothers, Danny and Tom; his stepbrothers, Ron and Dan Owsley; and his wife. He was preceded in death by his sister, Tammy O’Connell. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook was in charge of the arrangements.
