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Samuel H. Ballam, III died peacefully on Saturday August 8th, 2026 at the age of 75. Sam Ballam was born in Philadelphia in 1950. Until age 10, he grew up in the Frankford section of northeast Philadelphia at which point his family moved to Wynnewood in the western suburbs. He graduated from Lower Merion High School, completed his undergraduate degree with honors at the University of Miami, then earned his MBA degree in finance and accounting from Northwestern University. His business career began in 1974 with C. Brewer & Company in Hawaii where he worked in various financial positions. While in Hawaii he earned his CPA Certificate. In 1975, he married his college sweetheart, Susan Hubble, in the chapel at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In 1979, Sam relocated to the Philadelphia area as Treasurer of National Molasses Company in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Three years later, he was promoted to the corporate office of IU International, parent company of C. Brewer and National Molasses. In 1984, Sam was recruited into healthcare finance serving as the Treasurer of Thomas Jefferson University, then in 1990 being named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Main Line Health System. Cooke & Bieler, a Philadelphia investment firm which managed pension and endowment funds for both Jefferson and Main Line Health, invited Sam to join the firm in 1997. As a Cooke & Bieler Partner, he led the firm's marketing and client service functions, was nationally recognized in 2005 as Marketer of the Year, and retired in 2015 at age 65. Throughout his life, Sam was committed to volunteering his time to numerous charitable causes. His activities included serving as President of the Northwestern University Alumni Club of Hawaii, Accounting Warden and Vestry member of the Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr, board member of the West Hill School, Chairman of the United Way Campaign at Thomas Jefferson University, Cub Master of the Gladwyne Cub Scout Troop, board member and Chairman of the Board of Wheels Medical Transportation, Chairman of the Building Committee which constructed Proclamation Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, board member of the Delaware County Christian School Foundation, and serving on the board of the Church Farm School for over 20 years including 10 years as Chairman of the Board. Also, Sam was a very loyal supporter of the University of Miami where he served on the President's Council for over 25 years and as an Alumni Association officer, as well as donating a 1,200 pound bronze sculpture of the university's mascot which stands on campus in front of the Alumni Center. Sam was a long-time friend of the Household of Faith Deliverance Worship Center helping them to purchase their church building in Ardmore and where the parish hall bears Sam's name. Sam liked all sports, but in particular he was an avid surfer for over 50 years. In addition to surfing his "home break" in Ocean City, New Jersey, he made numerous, winter surfing trips to Maui, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and California. Also, Sam was a collector of "wallhanger" surfboards , as well as being a self-proclaimed "surfing scholar" who accumulated a world-class collection of surfing books which he donated to the Special Collections section of the University of Miami Library. To stay in shape for surfing, Sam enjoyed swimming. In 2016, at age 65, Sam participated in a competitive, one-mile, ocean swim in Ocean City and was proud to finish in fifth place for his 65-and-over age group. Among Sam’s other hobbies and activities, he had a life-long fascination with magic, and for many decades Sam was an active, performing, amateur magician. Also, during Sam's youth he was an avid coin collector, then in retirement he developed a rekindled interest in numismatics. In 2022, Sam successfully completed a rigorous academic program and passed a three-hour, 200-question, proctored, final exam to earn his Numismatic Scholar diploma from the American Numismatic Association. From his early childhood, Sam always enjoyed the beach and the ocean. He had very fond, boyhood memories of summer vacations in Ocean City. Beginning with the ownership of a Gardens Plaza condo in 2008, Sam greatly enjoyed his direct view of the Ocean City waves. Sam's life-long passion for Hawaii stemmed from his desire to be near the surf. Sam was deeply grateful for his long, happy marriage with Susan. He was very proud of their three sons, and later greatly enjoyed playing with the grandchildren. Sam was pleased to share his Christian faith and love of life with all members of the family. With an upbeat personality, he liked to say that he never had a bad day in his life. Sam leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Susan. Also, three married sons and daughters-in-law - David & Suzie, John & Elena, and Andrew & Joy. As well as, six grandchildren ranging in age from 16 to three: Jack, Laura, Brielle, Elise, Isaiah, and Caleb. Sam is very grateful for the opportunity to enjoy an active, full, and rewarding life. It has been a privilege for both his family and his faith to be very important components during his lifetime. The family will receive guests after 9:30 am in Spruce Street Baptist Church, 3701 Gradyville Rd, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by his funeral service at 11 am. Burial will be private in Church of the Redeemer Churchyard. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey 08226

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Samuel H. Ballam III

December 13, 1950 - August 8, 2026