Jay Doyle Sampson

Jay Doyle Sampson, an avid bowler and sports fan, passed away August 4, 2015 in Tacoma, WA. due to complications following an accidental fall on July 26. He was 76 years old.
Jay was born on March 5, 1939 in Yakima, WA. to Roland and Helen (Smith) Sampson. Jay grew up in Port Orchard and graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1959. He held a variety of jobs throughout his life including customer service/sales at Hi-Joy Bowl in Port Orchard (1956-61) and Coast Guard licensed Merchant Marine Skipper for Horluck Transportation (Port Orchard to Bremerton foot ferry). In 1962 Jay received an Associate in Technical Arts Degree from Olympic Community College and then attended Western Washington University (1962-63) with the hopes of becoming a dentist. He stopped short of realizing that dream, but instead went on to serve in the Army (1964-66) receiving a Good Conduct Medal for his service. Jay began working for Crescent Foods in August of 1966 and retired in September of 1998 after 32 years with the company.

Jay’s first true love was always bowling. He was a fixture at Hi-Joy bowl, visiting each day for a cup of coffee, a few pull-tabs or scratch offs, and good conversation with whoever was available. If "Jaybird" / "Jaydawg" didn’t show, everyone was looking for him. He not only played on numerous leagues, but was willing to hold offices, most often as league secretary. In his personal possessions were found many years' worth of records illustrating this commitment. He has held leadership positions for both the Northwest International Bowling Conference (NIBC); President in 1977 and the American Bowling Congress (ABC- now USBC); he was currently serving on the board of directors for 2015. He was also a lifetime member of ABC/USBC). He participated in the National Bowling Open Championships for 40 consecutive years (1974-2014) and was inducted into the NIBC Hall of Fame in 1989.

Jay enjoyed watching the Mariners and Seahawks play and adorned his car with flags to show his passion. He liked watching the horse races and taking trips in his RV.
He may never have ‘hit it big!’, but Jay could be counted on to play his numbers and keep you company if you wanted to “play a shift” at the local "clear your wallet" casino.
Jay always had a smile and a good word for everyone and he will be deeply missed.
Jay "Corky" is survived by his brother, Seth Sampson of Port Orchard, two sisters Ruth (and Dulane) Roppe of Ohio and Georgia (Gail) (and Alfred) Coleman of Port Orchard. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents, brother Ray Sampson and sister Carol Hiett of Alabama.

A potluck social will be held Saturday, September 12 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eagle’s Hall (F.O.E. 2338), 4001 Jackson Ave, Port Orchard. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Jay’s life.

**The family would like to send a special invitation to "The Good Samaritan" who reacted brilliantly to an emergency situation on July 26th at the Albertsons on Mile Hill. YOU ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED - WE WOULD BE PLEASED IF YOU COULD JOIN US. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS and PRAYERS - God Bless You.