James Edward Sands

James Edward Sands, 79, of Heath, OH, peacefully passed away on July 28, 2023. He was born in Ware, MA, to Edward Jason Sands and Marie Rose Query on July 29, 1943,  the second of three children. After graduating from Ware High School in 1961, James attended the American International College in Springfield, MA, on a full-ride basketball scholarship. He graduated with a BS degree in psychology in 1965 and landed his first job as a personnel manager, for Spalding Corporation. In 1971, he joined American Cyanamid Company, a New Jersey-based Chemical, Consumer, and Pharmaceutical Company. He held several management positions supporting their international business, was relocated to Toronto, Canada for two years, traveled extensively worldwide, and retired in 2000 as Vice President, International Human Resources.

At a young age, he met his soulmate, Jeanne Marie Fournier, at Mount Carmel Grammar School. As childhood friends and high school sweethearts their endearing love story has woven its way into the hearts of everyone they touch. They were married on June 15, 1963, and have four amazing sons.

Upon retirement, James and Jeanne made their second home in the Catskill Mountains of New York their primary residence in 2000. There he continued his passion for supporting people and his community. As Reiki Certified individuals, they owned and operated "The Secret Garden" Healing and Teaching Center in Meredith, NY. In 2004, Governor Pataki of New York appointed James to the College Council for the State University of New York, School of Technology. He served as Treasurer and member of the Board of Directors for the Honest Brook Music Festival in Meredith, NY. He was also an active member and past President of the Kiwanis Club of Delhi, NY. In 2016, James and Jeanne made their final home in Ohio, settling into a comfortable life enjoying family and friends, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Admired for his kind and gentle soul, James always had such an endearing way of lighting up a room with his smile and making everyone around him, on a very personal level, feel special. He passionately loved and cared for his wife, laughing and kidding with her every day. He was incredibly close to and proud of his sons, cherished his daughters-in-law, and deeply adored his grandchildren.

James was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Marie Sands, and his older brother, Robert. He leaves behind his loving wife, Jeanne, and his four sons and their families: James Jr. (Terri), Jack (Vicki), Jonathan (Michelle), and Jason (Lauren) Sands. He is survived by 9 incredible grandchildren: Abigaile, James III, Ryan, Michael, Amanda, John, Isabella, Alex, and Cameron. He also leaves behind his younger brother, Philip (Maryanne) Sands, and his brother Robert’s daughter, Bridget Sands.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in James’ name to: The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, or Saint Jude.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 2, 2023 at The Church of Saint Edward the Confessor 785 Newark Granville Rd, Granville, Ohio 43023 with Father Timothy Hayes as celebrant.

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for James and his family.  Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory about James or to leave a message of condolence for the family.