James Douglas “Doug” Saam, 80, passed away on June 5, 2025. A devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, Doug lived a life marked by humility, service, strength and a level of health and energy that belied his age.

Born on July 10, 1944 in Van Wert, Ohio to James and Ellen Saam, Doug had an older sister, Sandra, who preceded him in death. From his early childhood, Doug displayed a high energy level and would venture into surrounding neighborhoods on his bike. Doug loved the outdoors and was fortunate to spend summers at Indian Lake, OH with the Coleman family and their son, John. There he learned how to drive an outboard motorboat, water ski, and fish.

Doug graduated from Marysville High School in 1962. While there, he was junior class president, a decorated athlete, and was voted best dressed. He went to Muskingum College on a track scholarship where he earned a state record. Doug graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1966 and was hired by IBM in Cincinnati into the newly evolving field of mainframe computers. Later he would earn a Master’s degree in Economics.

While at IBM, Doug met and married his soulmate, Joyce, who had a young son, Mike Kirk. Doug and Joyce had two daughters, Tisha and Hollie. They took pride in their homes and the life they created. Doug had a long and successful career in IT and project management. He spent 30 years with Armco Steel, then managed IT projects for seven other companies, including British Petroleum, Saudi Aramco, and National Oilwell Varco. Over the years, the family moved between homes in Ohio, Texas, and Saudi Arabia. Doug retired at 69.

Joyce died in 2014 after a long battle with dementia. Several years later, Doug met and married Marie Alvarez-Calderon, herself a widow. Together they made a new life in Clear Lake, TX and enjoyed traveling in the US, Europe, and Peru.

Doug is survived by his daughters Tisha (Kenny) Browning and Hollie (John) Faulk, and his grandchildren Carly and Kirk; his stepson Mike Kirk (Jeanne) and Mike’s children Kelly and Michael Kirk and Michael’s wife, Taylor, and their son, Mason. Doug is also survived by his second wife, Marie.

Throughout his life, Doug was a stalwart force for positive action. He was meticulous in dress and personal habits. He loved gardening, sports, traveling, cooking, and entertaining friends with specialty drinks. Sitting still was not something he could ever do for more than a few minutes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal, 18300 Upper Bay Road, Houston, TX 77058.

The service will be broadcast on the church website:
http://sttaec.org