James John Sampson

Hon. J. John Sampson, 79, of Story, died Monday at Sheridan Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Judge Sampson was born in Sheridan on November 14, 1946, the third child of James W. Sampson, MD, and Ruth (Early) Sampson. After attending school in Sheridan, he attended high school in the Phillipines, where his father was stationed with the World Health Organization.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and his law degree at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where he met his future wife, Patricia Poulsen, then in nursing school.

After receiving his J.D., John entered into private practice in Newcastle, Sheridan, and Story, before being appointed to the 4 th Circuit Court bench in Sheridan and Buffalo in 1991 by Governor Michael Sullivan.

Judge Sampson ran his court with humor and compassion—liked and admired even by people upon whom he had to impose serious sentences. He was particularly proud of establishing a Drug Court, where he helped individuals convicted of drug crimes to complete treatment, avoid imprisonment and recidivism, and to have a chance at a healthy, productive life. He retired from the bench in 2013.

John, a dedicated “trout whisperer,” was happiest on his ATV on the rugged Story Penrose Trail, a .357 pistol strapped to his hip (you never know—bears? moose? cattlerustlers?), on the way up to Willow Park Reservoir, to catch brook and native cutthroat trout. No excuse to go “up the mountain” was to be passed up.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Story, and son James W. Sampson and fiancée Aimee Oldfield of Tacoma, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Story Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 4, Story, WY 82842.

Details for a memorial service are pending.

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Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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