Sazama, James Francis

James Francis Sazama, 64, of Southern Pines, NC passed away Feb.18, 2011 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born October 30, 1946 in San Francisco, CA to F. James and Susan Sazama. After graduating from St. Francis High School and Foothill College in California, he earned his BS degree in Wildlife Biology from Utah State University in Logan, UT. He served two years in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He opened the Wooden Nickel Coin Shop in Los Altos, CA in 1974. He married Charlene on Nov. 10, 1979 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ramey, MN. After living a short time in Idaho, they moved to Mountain View, CA where he opened the Double Eagle Coin and Art Gallery. In 1982, they moved to Southern Pines, NC where he and his brother, Shawn, formed American Nursery & Landscaping Co. in Pinehurst, NC. Jim continued his involvement with coins and currency (his “first love”) throughout his entire life. Jim was a well respected member of the coin collecting community. During his life he contributed to several writings and books about coins and currency. He especially enjoyed his Wednesday mornings at Star 102.5 talking with Rich Rushforth and Kristen Palmer about the gold and silver market. He was a charter member of the Professional Currency Dealers of America, NC Numismatic Assn, and Moore Numismatic Association. Jim became very well known in England in the field of medieval numismatics, especially to collectors, dealers and auction houses. In addition to his coin business, he recently partnered with Scott Arney to form a new company, Amazon Tropical Fish. Jim traveled to Peru and Uruguay to collect specimens for this new venture. He was a member of Western North Carolina Aquarium Society, Atlanta Area Aquarium Association, and American Cichlid Association. Before recently joining Pinehurst United Methodist Church, Jim was an active member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Southern Pines, where he served on Congregation Council and the Building Committee. Jim is survived by his wife of 31 years, Charlene, a son, Ben, of Southern Pines, NC, daughters, Casandra of Salt Lake City, UT; and Nicole(Jordan) Walsh of Aberdeen, NC; his parents, Jim and Susan Sazama of Pinehurst, NC; four brothers, Gary ( Mary Ann) of Providence, UT; Patric (Nancy) of Spokane, WA; Shawn (Lynn) of Southern Pines, NC; Damian (Cheryl) of Ft. Myers, FL; four sisters, Robin (Matt) Taber of Lookout Mountain, GA; Julie (Ebo) Embrey of Purcellville, VA; Courtney (Stuart) Young of Charlotte, NC; and Stacey (Michael) Berman, of Baltimore, MD; two grandchildren, Clarise and Ryan Sazama, and many nieces and nephews. Jim also leaves behind his loyal dog, Simon, and his constant protector, Annie. A memorial service will be held 11 AM, February 26, 2011 at the Pinehurst United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Banks officiating. A visitation will be held Friday February 25th 2011 from 6 to 8PM at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in memory of Jim Sazama to MANNA!, PO Box 1081 Southern Pines, NC 28388 or Pinehurst United Methodist Church Building Fund, 4111 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.