THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 3, 1994 TAG: 9408020124
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Allison T. Williams
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
J.J. ``Sam'' Sawyer, 77, a library volunteer worker, says he gives his time in order to stay young.
The retired Smithfield Packing Co. executive works one day a week at the Isle of Wight Public Library's Smithfield branch.
Sawyer shelves returned books, checks books in and out for library patrons and does other work for library administrators.
``At the library, I have checked books in or out for people as young as 5 and old as 85,'' Sawyer says. ``Staying in touch with young people helps me stay young.''
Being raised in today's technologically advanced society has made this generation's youngsters smarter and more sophisticated than earlier generations, Sawyer says.
``I like helping the children because I already know everything old people know,'' Sawyer says. ``I know young people today are very smart and experiencing new ways of doing things.''
The Georgia native moved to Smithfield in 1958 to work in the credit department at Smithfield Packing. By his retirement in 1991, Sawyer was the company's vice president of credit.
Name: J.S. Sawyer.
What brought you to Isle of Wight? I was recommended for a job with Smithfield Foods.
Hometown: Macon, Ga.
Birthdate: Sept. 14, 1916.
Nickname: Sam.
Occupation: Retired in 1991 as vice president of credit at Smithfield Foods.
Marital status: Married to Imogene T. Sawyer for 53 years.
Children: Charles, Samuel and James.
Favorite magazine: At age 16, it was ``Field & Stream,'' but now it is ``Modern Maturity.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? ``The Power of Positive Thinking,'' by Norman Vincent Peale. It is a good guide for living your daily life.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Smithfield Inn.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner with my wife, children and grandchildren.
Favorite food and drink: Soft-shell crabs, steak and milk.
What's the best thing about yourself? My love of people.
Worst habit: According to wife, my worst habit is eating too fast.
First thing in the morning: Take a shower, get dressed, pour a cup of coffee and sit down to read my paper.
Pets: Two cats and one dog when I can find him.
Hobbies: Reading and gardening. I particularly like day lilies and I also root boxwood to give friends.
Ideal vacation: Touring the United States by train.
Pet peeve: Loud conversation and more than one person talking at a time.
First job: Although I clerked in the family store from an early age, my first job outside the family was weighing pimento peppers at a pepper plant in Macon, Ga.
Worst job: Salting and curing cowhides.
What achievements are you most proud of? My family.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``He enjoyed life!'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
KEYWORDS: PROFILE INTERVIEW
by CNB