Mesa, Arizona
Jay Samuel Hawkins, 28, our beloved Sam, passed valiantly into eternity
December 10, 2006 in Summerlin, Nevada after battling lymphoma. Born fourth of seven children to Lonnie Glenn and Claudia Anderson Hawkins in Provo, Utah on January 29, 1978. His early years were spent in Utah before moving to Mesa, Arizona in 1987. His youth was marked by promise and happiness. His lifelong pursuit of excellence began early. He loved to read, play the piano and flute, sports and the companionship of family and many friends. In addition to the Duty to God Award, Eagle Scout and several Palms, Sam was an Honor Scout and Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Mountain View High School in 1996 before serving an honorable LDS Mission in Brazil, where he left part of his heart. He married the joy of his life, Kira Marie Olson, June 24, 1999 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. They were blessed with two beautiful children; a dear son, Emmet (3) and a precious daughter, Emery (1). His family is his heart and soul and he devoted his life to them. Sam graduated from Arizona State University (B.S., magna cum laude) in 2001 and from the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D., with Honors) in 2006. He was honored to be an Associate at Alverson Taylor in Las Vegas, Nevada where he enjoyed his work and many friends. Sam has left a legacy of service to God and his fellowman that will be a joy to his family forever. Sam was preceded in death by two grandparents, Victor Jay and Agnes June Anderson. He is survived by his treasured wife, Kira and their two children, Emmet and Emery; parents, Lonnie and Claudia Hawkins, four brothers and two sisters; Chase (Alison) Hawkins, Shellie (Christopher) Bowers, Tamara (Jason) Belnap, Kristopher (Emily) Hawkins, Brady (Sarah) Hawkins, Blake (Alyssa) Hawkins; Grandparents, Glenn and Virginia Hawkins, Provo, Utah; 15 nieces and nephews; Kira's family, her parents, Ken and Kathryn Olson and two brothers, Chris (Jenny) Olson and Chance. Funeral services Monday, December 18, 2006, 10:00 a.m., at the LDS Lehi Stake Center at 1430 North Grand, Mesa, AZ. Friends my call Sunday evening, December 17, 2006 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bunker's Garden Chapel 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa and at the church prior to services from 9:00-9:30 a.m. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
My prayers go out to the beautiful family of Sam Hawkins. I was blessed to be part of his group in the MTC that went to Brazil and was also blessed to share some of the same areas and experiences with Sam in the mission. What a great person Sam was. What an awesome missionary. What a powerful testimony. What a wonderful friend. His impressions will forever be embedded in my heart.
Brent Jarman
January 15, 2007 | Surprise, AZ
Sam is truly one of the brightest men I have ever met. The first time I heard him pray publicly, I looked up expecting to see Neil A. Maxwell. He has the gift of tongues for the English language. I greatly enjoyed conversing with him about the gospel, family and life in general on numerous occasions. He has been a wonderful example to me and my family. We express our love and prayers to Kira and their beautiful family. He was a man who touched many lives for good including our's as...
Jarom and Jamie John
December 23, 2006 | Owings Mills, MD
My love and prayers go to all of those who love Sam. I know he touched a lot of people's lives. I met Sam only on one occasion, but he left an impression I will never forget. It was, "I want to be more like him." The instant I met him, I wanted to meet his wife because I knew she must be an exceptional woman to marry such an exceptional man. Kira, I will be here for you at anytime DAY OR NIGHT. Don't hesitate to call, I will be here waiting. May God bless this family with faith and courage....
Michelle Krainich
December 21, 2006 | North Las Vegas
Sam was one of the greatest men I had ever met. He inpired people through his love and dedication to his family, friends, and church. The world would be a better place if more men were like Sam, but the differences and contributions he made here in this life will effect everyone he came in contact with for all eternity.
Matthew Clauser
December 20, 2006 | Reisterstown, MD
Dear Kira, Emmett and Emory,
Although our association with Sam covered only the brief period while you were in Maryland I observed him to be a deeply spiritual man who loved and served his Savior with his whole heart, might, mind and strength. This is a grand legacy for his children and grandchildren.
Emmett, I once watched your Dad with you in the meetinghouse foyer in Hampstead. You were toddling along behind him...following in his footsteps. He turned around, bent down and you ran...
Donna Schott
December 20, 2006 | Manchester, MD
MY DEARSET PAL SAM- My heart is heavy and my soul has tears. May God Bless you and keep you safe. Your work here on earth has been done. As always, A GREAT JOB! You are tuly loved and will be missed. Thank you for the gift of friendship. Thank you for the smiles, the talks and all the prayers. You,Kira and the babies will always be in my thoughts, my prayers and always in my heart.FRIENDS FOREVER- Mentally, spiritually and eternally.
jacquie worrell
December 19, 2006 | Reisterstown, MD
Kira,
Please find solace in the promises of the temple. I am so sorry for your loss and of that of your children. May you find joy and peace through your precious memories you have of Sam and by and through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Erin May
December 18, 2006 | Phoenix, AZ
Sam was a great friend in High School. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kira and your children as well as Sam's family. May you feel the blessings and the peace of the gospel at this time.
Anna Jensen (Fitch)
December 18, 2006 | Rochester, MN
Kira,
I am very sorry for your loss. May the smiles on your children's faces bring you comfort.
Janeen Thomas-Appleget
December 18, 2006 | Glendale, AZ
