James "Sam" Esterbloom

James (Sam) Esterbloom   1927 – 2018
Sam Esterbloom passed away peacefully in his sleep and went home to be with Jesus his savior on August 15th in Boardman, Oregon at the age of 90 years. Sam was born in Bonita, California on a farm.  His parents were some of the founding settlers in the area.  He grew up with a love of sports and farming that stayed with him his whole life.  He became a Christian in 1951. He entered the Army in 1952 and served 2 years in Alaska as a medic. He and some other men formed an Outreach Group called the Christian Servicemen of the Northern Lights. They started a Youth for Christ Chapter and many received Jesus into their hearts and lives.

He and his wife Jane moved his family to Falls City, Oregon in 1976.  Sam, Jane and their daughters enjoyed almost 20 years in Falls City and the fellowship of the Bridgeport Community Chapel congregation. In 1992, Sam moved the family to Boardman, Oregon.  He was one of the original employees of Boardman Foods and continued his employment there for over 20 years.  He loved the team and supported them with prayers and frequent visits after his retirement. The family attended Boardman Community Church and New Hope Community Church and were blessed by the love for the Lord and the commitment to the people in the area.  

His love of gardening was apparent to all who knew him.  He gardened avidly and loved to share the abundance with the communities he lived in.  Raspberries, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers and melons were among his favorites.  He grew Sweet Peas for his wife Jane and shared hundreds of bouquets throughout the Boardman community.

He was dedicated to his Christian beliefs and spent his adult life sharing the gospel with others.  For many years, Sam developed a prayer book.  He prayed for hundreds of people every day.  If you knew Sam Esterbloom, or he knew you, you were most likely included in his daily prayer book.  He loved being able to continue this after he became bedridden.  He gave many of us a love of gardening and a love of the Lord that will be with us forever.  

He is survived by his wife Jane, seven daughters - - Sandee Relph, Joy McCaslin, Debbie Radie (Dave Radie), Deanna Camp (Mike Camp), Dana Fetter (Larry Fetter), Donna Boackle (Gary Boackle) and Darla Irwin (Kevin Irwin), his son, Mike Esterbloom, 28 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Thank you for all your love and support .  Jane Esterbloom and family

“Jesus and me, Praise the Lord”  Sam Esterbloom

In Lieu of flowers, please give to New Hope Community Church, American Missionary Fellowship of Hermiston or American Missionary Fellowship of Falls City, Oregon. 

A Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 26th at 2:00 pm at New Hope Community Church in Hermiston, Oregon. 

Private burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.

Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

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