Samuel Patrick Cox

I was stationed at HC4 with Petty Officer Cox and was on duty the day he died. We were the same age...His death and the helicopter crash quickly reminded me how precious and fragile life is. I think of him often and that day of the crash. Our command was forever changed...we were small and close knit so to lose Sam and the others...we lost family...I dedicate my service to him and the rest of my shipmates we lost that day...HOO-RAH!!! and well done Sam!

To the Cox family, I was stationed with Sam in Sigonella, and had the pleasure to work with him in "Team Alpha." We worked together in UAE as well, and I can recall one time when we washed one of the helicopters together. I have posted to one of the original sites that you had up years ago, and just happen to be thinking of him today. He was great at his job, and displayed the love for what he wanted out of the Navy. I transferred back to the states shortly after the crash. I was one of the members of the emergency reclamation team, that had to visit the crash site, and I'll never forget it. I don't mean to bring any harsh memories up, but I just wanted the family know, that I'll never forget what your "Sam" did for his country, and I know he would have turned out to be a fine Naval Officer. Sincerely, Scott Bolen (AM2/AW).

To Sam and the Cox family,
This Memorial Day, I remember you as one of, if not the smartest students I have had the pleasure to instruct. You constantly showed an interest in every lesson and engaged me as your instructor more than most of your peers. I fondly remember you requesting,multiple times, that I demonstrate to the class the aerodynamic principle of dissemmetry of lift by spinning around the classrom with my arms straight out and making noises like a helicopter! You inspired your peers and had loads of potential. You were a great man, Sam. I'm honored have been a part of your life and grateful that you were a part of mine.
Sincerely as your brother in arms,
Tim McNerney
[email protected]
[email protected]

Sam,

I miss you!!! Not a day goes by I don't think of you... Our last conversation plays over and over in my head... I should have told you how proud I was of you... Instead, we joked... You had that huge smile on your face... Head held high, you climbed on board "Bucky" ...I watched you fly away that day Sam... I miss you!!!

Can't believe it's been 8 years since we lost you...missing you lots. Hope you and Tim are debating in heaven:)

Yes "Sam" Happy Birth Day!

Happy 28th Birthday Sam:) We miss you!

To the Cox Family. My name is Scott Bolen, and I served with your Son in Sicily, Italy. He had dreams to be an Officer in the Navy. It seemed that he was very honored to be serving his country men and women and most of all his family. It has been years since his passing and I left the Navy in 2006 with an honorable discharge. I would just like to say that he will never be forgotten by me and what he sacrificed for our country. I'm sure you as his parents and siblings are very proud of what he accomplished in his short time on Earth. I will never stop thinking of this young man, in which we served together. May God bless the Cox family! I miss you Sam! Sincerely, Scott Bolen. May God Rest Your Soul Forever.

Everytime I think of you, all I see is that gigantic smile, Sam. That's how I picture you up in heaven. And wishing your parents and sister and brother wouldn't be sad Its just so hard when they can't wrap their arms around you. But we all feel you in our lives every day. Love you! Aunt Jane

I miss you, too, Sam. Not a day goes by that I don't spend time thinking of you. I wish I had recordings of your voice, videos of you. No family gathering feels complete without you.

Sam is always on my mind. I really wish that I could just see him and talk to him one last time. I am scared I will forget what he looks like or how his voice sounded. I want to thank my closest friends and family for being there and still listening when I needed to talk. Sam, you are what keeps me grounded and I know you are up there watching over everyone. I miss you!

God Bless you Samuel Patrick, and look after your family who remain here on earth.
Mary Patricia

I hope all that read this book please keep Jo, Jody, Anna and Jackson in your prayers. They are all still suffering, but especially my sister. The sadness in her eyes still makes me want to cry. We all really do miss you, Sam. If you could find a way to make your mom and dad's hearts not hurt so much, that'd be great. We love you.

It's been three years since we lost Sam. I can hardly remember what life was like before that fateful day. We miss you terribly, Sam. Though you made our lives better when you were with us, a huge emptiness resides in our hearts now.

As we look toward celebrating Christmas, the loss of our son Sam looms large. We continue to appreciate how many people recognize the sorrow that's indelibly marked on our hearts. Thank you for that gift.

It always hits home really hard when we lose a brother in the Navy. I never had the honor of meeting Petty Officer Samuel Cox, but I have heard many admirable things about him. My most sincere condolences go out to his family. Samuel is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

My prayers and thoughts are always with the Cox family, and especially on this day, July 16, 2004.



"I hope that my achievements in life shall be these: that I will have fought for what was right and fair, that I will have risked for that which mattered, that I will have given help to those who were in need, and that I will have left the earth a better place for what I've done and who I've been." (C. Hoppe)



"If your contribution has been vital there will always be somebody to pick up where you left off, and that will be your claim to immortality." (Walter Groupius)



Thank you Sam. Your spirit and memory lives on each day, I won’t forget.

Just an old friend of Sam Cox from St. Michael's Kindergarden through fifth. Been thinking about sam a lot lately and how jealous I was of his grades through elemetary. I always thought he would be one of those high paid doctor lawyer types I heard about, but instead he used what he had to serve myself and every other American. I had such a good time at his birthday parties with my classmates Joey J and Joey N and David and Shane Giles and Ashley Mattson and the twins angela and Jenny, and Hilary Stepp. Just writing this brings back memories that should never be forgotten. Thank you Sam. You'll be missed through time forever. Love, Ryan Buerke.

I truly have seen a sea of faces through my tear-filled eyes over the past weeks since Sam died July 16. I couldn't personally acknowledge everyone who came to the various services in Sam's honor, but know how grateful I am for the gifts you have given me in your memories, prayers, and concern for me and my family.

We laid Sam's remains to rest Aug. 5 in Arlington National Cemetery. I suppose this week is the start of our trying to get back into our daily lives, though everything is different, everything is changed ... because our hearts are changed ... because of Sam's death; recognition of his life; the heartfelt response of family, friends, and total strangers; the many thoughts written down, allowing us time to treasure those memories, to treasure Sam's life.

Please consider the positive way Sam touched your life, and make yours even better because of this. That's his legacy.

Dear Jo, Jody, Jack and Anna,

We are so shocked and sad to know that Sam has died. He was a sweet, happy, young man and will be missed dearly. We remember the conversations we've had with him and know how special he was to anyone that had contact with him. Please know that his memory as a wonderful son and brother to you will live on forever in everyone's heart. Find peace in this. The memorial services reflected how special he was. We wish you well in the days ahead. Love, Stacy, Paul , Tony and Joey.

Dear Mr. Cox, Mrs. Thornley-Cox, and family:

It is with deep sadness that I send this sympathy note in remembering your son, Sam. My name is Jackie (Wilhelmi) Heinzen and Sam was in my second grade classroom at St. Michael's School. I remember Sam as being so full of life, eager to learn, and wanting to be challenged, and quite the conversationalist. I also remember his huge smile that he wore so often. I remember sitting down with you to provide Sam with "special contracts" that were enrichment projects that he was motivated by. Even as a second grader, he wanted to "be all that he could be" and be pushed to give his all. I also remember our field trips that year to the Duluth News-Tribune with Jody's connection there. We also took a trip out to the Duluth

National Air Guard where we were all fascinated by the aircraft there. (Mr. Steve

Samuelson, Sam's phy. ed. teacher, was in

the guard unit there and he was able to provide information to the children about that type of work). Another highlight of Sam's second grade year was receiving his

First Communion to grow even closer to Jesus. I remember your graciousness in inviting me to join your family and Sam's Grandparents for brunch that day at Augustino's. Your family was so warm and easy to talk with. Every year at Christmas time when I decorate my Christmas tree in my classroom, I put all of the ornaments on the tree that I have received from students. As I place them on the tree, I think about each child who has given me the particular ornament. I have a hinged-bear ornament that has Sam Cox written in his handwriting on the backside. I can picture Sam as vividly as the ornament bearing his name. This year, I certainly will have a different type of reflection as I place his ornament on the tree. It was really a strange coincidence that I read the article about Sam's death in the Duluth News-Tribune.

I moved to Marshfield, WI in 1992 and remain here. I happened to be visiting my parents in Duluth for a couple of days and read the paper there. I was shocked to read the headline that July 18th morning. After reading the article, Sam certainly was involved in so many high school activities and went on to do great things. I am so thankful for the men and women willing to risk their lives for our country, our freedom,

and the war on terrorism. It must be so difficult for a parent to see your child go off to war. I can not imagine. It sounds like Sam definitely had a mission in life to help others and to be a part of the Navy and you can be so proud to know that he was able to do both and died for what he believed in.

Sam will be missed by all who knew him. God bless you and all of your family.

(A bit about me-I am married to a wonderful man, we have two boys, an almost 3 yr. old, and a 10 month old. I love being a wife and mother, and I am teaching kindergarten

in a school district near Marshfield. Teaching is still a great profession and I enjoy working with children very much).

With Sincere Sympathy,

Jackie (Wilhelmi) Heinzen

Marshfield, WI 54449

Dear Jo & family,



We were in Duluth for the first time in 3 years and happened to pick up a newspaper...oh my.



We are so profoundly sorry to hear of your loss. We knew Sam only as one of the trio you told the preschool kids about. I believe the last time we saw you happened to be the day of his graduation. We weren't able to know Sam personally, but knowing you we are certain that above all else Sam's life was built on a firm foundation of love.



Thank you for helping us to see all that is lovable in our children, even through the rough spots. We will be remembering and praying for you all in the days and years to come.



Love,

August 3, 2003



Dear Jo, Jody, Jack and Anna,

We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news about Sam. He was so easy to be around and an absolute genuine young man. I hadn't seen him for about six years and that was at your home here in Duluth. Jo invited her preschool class to her home for cake and ice cream and to frighten the be-jeezuz out of her gerbils (or whatever they were). Sam was home one time. I remember he was quite an impressionable person. I would be proud to have my son (and daughter for that matter) be like Sam as a teenager and young adult.

We will pray for you and your family, for peace and healing, and for all the families who have lost family members in this war.

We miss you in Duluth. I'm sorry we couldn't make the memorials as we just returned from the east coast but our thoughts are with you all.

Love,

John, Paula, Aaron and Sara Zabinski

I only knew Sam through the heart of his mother, but after reading so many things about him, attending services in his honor at St. Michael' and Marshall, and seeing what a great impact he had on those who knew him, I cannot help but feel a twinge of regret that our paths did not cross. By all accounts he was a remarkable young man with a great future. I am so very, very sorry for your loss, and continue to pray for you all daily.

Celine

Dear Cox family~

I wanted to say how sorry I am about your loss. I cant even imagine how hard this has to be for you all. I dont really remember much about him except for how fun he was when he would babysit us. Once again I am sorry and may the Lord be with you through this horrible time. I just know that he is in a better place. I am very sorry.



Sophia Rubbelke

Greetings-

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sam, Anna, and Jack were always fun to babysit.

I thought of you when the war started in March of this year. I was babysitting for your family when the first Gulf war started in 1991.

Again, my deepest sympathies for your family.

Blessings to you all,



April Privett

I just wanted to share this message I received from one of our agents at Shelter Insurance that I do not even know. He wrote: "Dear Jane, I am so sorry your family has such an insurmountable loss. May God Bless you all and comfort you, as only God can. Sam was a very dedicated young man as I read, and I couldn't agree with him more when he said what they were doing overseas in Iraq was the right thing to do. He is a true American Hero. I thank God for courageous young people like him. People without backbone certainly did not found America. Jesus and Sam gave it all, all to them we owe. Let us always carry the torch of righteousness and freedom. Sincerely, Tom Henley"

Hi, i would just like to say the Sam was a good Sailor. I worked with him here in Sicily in Team Alpha. I went on Det with him in the Middle East and on a few other Dets. He was a good young man and he will be missed by me and many others. He would have had a bright future ahead of him. God Bless Sam and his family.

Dear Jo, Jody, Jack and Anna,

We have very fond memories of Sam and all of you. We cannot feel your sorrow, but know that we care and that you are in our prayers.

God be with you and give you peace in your loss.

With sincerest sympathy,

Phyllis, Dave & Kaytie

All-



Sam was a great guy to work and fly with and I know he would have done well as a Naval Officer. He is missed by all of us at HC-4.

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful service tonight at St. Michael's and I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dead Coxs,

Hello... well I just wanted to say that I will miss Sam... I remember him babysitting me... he was a great babysitter... he was so much fun to be with... I don't really know if u guys remember me... Mrs. Cox, u teached preschool for me... I just want to say that everyone in my family feels really bad for ur loss of Sam... he was a great kid... and that we all here will miss him... We hope that everyone will allways remember how great of a kid Sam was... Loves to everyone in the Cox family.

SAM will be deeply missed by the Black Stallions!

V/R,

AMC Fernandez

Dear Cox Family,

I am so sorry about the loss of Sam. I remember seeing him many times throughout the years with a smile on his face and a great outlook on life. I will remember him fondly, and keep your entire family in my prayers.

Love,

Sarah

Dearest Jo, Jody, Jack and Anna,



Our hearts go out to you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I've been remembering Sam as he served mass at St. Michael's and how he served social dinners there as well, always with a smile and a mature confidence. I remember thinking to myself that I hoped my kids would grow up to have such a happy disposition as teenagers. His faith was a testament to our whole family.



I was sitting on the shore of Lake Superior yesterday morning and thought of Sam...and I thought that heaven isn't so far away.



Lori, Bill and family

To Sam's family,



My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I only learned about what happened yesterday and I was shocked to hear that someone who had made my year at Marshall so much brighter with his soft humour and always-ready smile is actually gone. I wish you the same admirable courage, strength and drive towards life that Sam had. May he rest in peace.

Jody, Jo, Jack & Annie-



I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am about Sam's death, but I can tell you how happy I am that I was able to be at the service in KC last week. Seeing the church filled with people who cared so much about you all was incredible. Jo - your reading moved me so. Adam and I had just read that same chapter and verse only a week earlier. It will always have a special meaning for me now. Sam's death has saddened my heart more than I imagined. A day has not passed that I haven't thought of him and you all as you journey thru these weeks of memorials and celebrations of his life. I am praying for you all daily and asking God and Sam to watch over you as you travel. I have thought how difficult these days have been for you and don't know how you do it. Your faith is amazing. I wish there was something I could do to help ease your pain and suffering. I love you all and my prayers are with you. Sam was one incredible guy. He is an example for all. He will be forever in my heart and his beautiful smile I can see right now.



All my love (& Adam'),

Amy

Dear Cox Family,



I had the pleasure of working with your son since he came to HC-4 in October of 2002. I went to Souda Bay, Greece, Rota, Spain, and then to Fujairah, UAE with him. He was an energetic young man and was looking forward to becoming an officer in the US Navy. Whenever we landed on one of the carriers in the Persian Gulf, he just pointed to one of the jets and said, "I'm going to fly one of those." And there is no doubt in my mind that he would be flying jets off carriers in a few short years. It was a pleasure to know him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Rocky Burns

Dear Cox family,

I am very sorry to hear about what happened. Sam was my "student big brother" at Marshall High my first year. He was the first person that I knew there. I remember Sam as being a very diciplined and very motivated guy. the fact that he joined the military and that he was first is his class doesn't supprise meat all. I do remeber that under his strong diciplined demeanor there was a light fun side to him. It wasn't hard for us in the band and jazz band to see it come out. We all had lots of fun together.

Jo, Jody, Jack and Annie:

Forgive me for not writing this sooner. Sam's death has been such a shock to us all. It is hard to believe that never again will we see him loping up our sidewalk, his smile gracing our front entryway. Never again will I apologize to Sam for the discomfort our dog causes, as he says, "Oh, that's o.k. I have my allergy pills," reaching for yet another Kleenex. His unexpected packages from overseas allowed us to travel vicariously through him. We will always cherish the statuette of the charioteer he sent us from Greece and Joe's chess set. The most prized gift, though, is the watch he sent Joe just a few weeks ago as a get well gift. Sam was becoming such a considerate, confident man, a real class act. As his "second family," we look forward to seeing him again someday. God bless you all!

Karen

Jo and family-

I went down to Carlson & Kirwan to use my Dad's typewriter last week and mentioned how saddened I was at seeing on the news the young life lost in the helicopter crash. I couldn't believe it when my Dad told me it was your son.

I didn't know Sam, but you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathies.



Theresa Caine (Dan Carlson's daughter)

jody, jo & family:



your loss of sam is such a shock. we just found out after a week away from home. our sincerest condolences. as a parent, and now a grandparent, i can't imagine coping with such a tragedy. our thoughts and prayers are with you.



tod, sharon & family

Dear Jo, Jody, Jack, and Anna,



Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We share your sorrow and sadness over the loss of Sam. The joy and happiness he brought to so many people will never be forgotten. You should be VERY proud as you raised a wonderful young man. Sam's love for his family and country is truly admirable. May his memory be eternal.



With love,

Maria and family

Jackson

I was so saddened to learn of your bother's death. I didn't know him personally but after having worked with you for the last year and after attending the memorial service here in K.C., I can see a lot of the same personality and characteristics of your brother in you.

Your "Kohl's family" sends their love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family.

Dear Jo and Jody,

Knowing Sam through Jo's parents, we've been privileged to watch him grow up in their eyes and become a wonderful young man of whom the whole family was enormously proud. Please know how anguished we are to learn of his loss. May your abundant happy memories and love of him help you find peace during this painful time for you, and may you feel the many arms that surround you in love and prayers as you go forward. Please accept our sincere condolences. Jack & Pat Wisner

I am so sorry for the loss of Samuel. Jackson and I are best friends and Jackson always talked about his brother. I was looking forward to meeting Sam when he got home in September. I know that Samuel is in a better place now and he is looking down at us a smiling. My prayers are with his parents, Jackson and his sister. May Samuel rest in peace.

Sam, you will always be in our hearts and memories -- an adorable baby grandson, a happy toddler with a ready smile, a gentle teenager, and a patriotic young man. You were starting on your plan for life and cut down before it barely began. Yet you served in a war where you felt you were doing good by helping the vanquished. You will never know the joys of parenthood, but due to a "swift sword," you will never know its pain. May God bless your tender soul.

Gramps and Grammy Thornley

Dear Jo and Jody,

I am overseas on vacation and heard about sam through julie zenner. knowing all of you, i was pretty sure i could get the story and reach you through the web! sam was always a great kid - and when i think of him, i see him in some sort of uniform that told us so much about him - and the parents who raised him. he was either in a football uniform, or altar server garb or dressed for scouts. and now the picture in the paper. he will be missed by so many people. please know that you have our prayers. we wish we could do more. and know that we can't.



Molly

Dear Family Of Sam,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. You all should be so proud of Sam! We are indebted to Sam and all of the young men and women serving our great country. With out their and your sacrafice we would not live in the country we do. Thank you Sam!!

Dear Jo, Jody, Jack and Anna,



I was saddened to hear of Sam´s death in Italy. I met Sam during the GAP school partnership in 1997.

In this time I was allowed to spend 3 unforgettable weeks with him and his family in Duluth and at the Marshall School.

One year later Sam visited me at my home in the South of Germany and we had a wonderful time of 2 common weeks.

I had pleasant and wonderful recollection at Sam and I won´t forget the time with him.

My and my parents heartfelt condolences.



With deepest sympathy,



Christian

I feel so very fortunate to have gotten to be with Jo, Jody, Annie and Jack last Thursday and Friday. So many people wanted to be with them, but I'm the lucky one that could jump in my car and be there. We all loved Sam so much, and I'm glad to know he's in a better place. Its hardest on the living. Jo, Jody, Annie and Jack, thanks for letting me and the boys be with you those two days. We will miss Sam terribly. As this book shows, he was loved and respected by many. Love, Jane, Darren, Cameron and Brian

Mary Jo, Jody and family,

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Sam. It is clear from these writings that you raised a wonderful young man who believed in duty and honor. Our prayers and hearts go out to you at this difficult time. God bless.



Cindy and Travis Sjostedt (Camp)

Dear Uncle Jody, Aunt Mary Jo, Jack &Annie,



Sam was a great joy in our life. He was one of my favorite cousins, eventhough we didn't see him much. We charished the moments we had with him. You're family will stay in my prayers. We'll miss him very much.



~Katie~

Dear Uncle Jody, Aunt Mary Jo, Jack, and Anna,

I am very sorry about what happened to Sam. I will remember the fun times we played together. He will always be in my heart. He was one of my favorite cousins.

To the Cox Family-

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I had the honor of serving with your son while I was assigned to HC-4. He was an extremely bright, positive, and professional aircrewman. It was truly a pleasure to have flown with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Cody Sinclair

Dear Cox Family,

For two years, I rode to school twice a week with Sam so that he and my brother could get to Jazz band early in the morning. For three years I came home from school in the fall after football practice with him as well. I would just like to say that those car rides which should have been boring and repetitive weren’t because of Sam. There was never a dull moment to speak of. Each day he had something interesting to say, he always wanted to share some impressive bit of trivia he had picked up along the way during school or from a book he had read. In also being very good friends with Jack, I grew to know Sam quite well. Sam at all times said how he felt, and I have a great respect for him because of this. He was a genuinely nice person-we need more people like him in our world. My thoughts are with you, Jack, and every member of your immediate and extended family.

Jodi and family,

I was saddened to hear of Sam's death. I remember the days we stood in the stands and coached the kids and how much enjoyment we had. Linda's and my thoughts are with you. May the memories of Sam bring solice now and joy in the future.

George and Linda Balach

My tears go out to you although we have never met. I just wanted to thank you for raising such a wonderful person. A selfless young man who put his Country and Family first. You have every right to be proud and to celebrate the life of Sam Cox.

Thank you.

I send love and prayers to all Sams family and loved ones.

I am crewman in HM-15 who had the honor of meeting Sam in Norfolk, Va while attending the MH-53E school. Even though i was only there for a short time, and didn't get to know him as well as i would've liked. There's one thing that i cannot forget and it's a quote that he once told me. He said "live so that you can at least get the benefit of the doubt," this is one thing that i will never forget. May god bless your family. Sam will always be in our prayers and in our hearts forever, whoever had the pleasure of meeting him became a better person in doing so.

Dear Jo, Jody, Jackson, and Anna,

Our hearts are heavy for you and your loss of Samuel. May God give you peace and watch over you as you go about your travels to honor your son. Thank you for sharing the letters with all at his Memorial last evening at St.Charles. It helped those of us who didn't know him personally get a sense of who he was. He is in our hearts now, too.

We send you our love and prayers.

Dear Jo, Jody, Jack and Anna,

We cannot begin to imagine the pain you are suffering, to loose a child must be almost unbearable. Our prayers go out to you.

We first got to know Sam when he arrived at our house at Lake Anna on his birthday as a young kid about 10 years old. He wanted a boat ride for his birthday. He got the ride and loved every minute of it, even though it was pouring down rain. I guess that Navy was already in his blood.

Now that there is no more time to get to know Sam better. We hold in our hearts the memory of last summer at Lake Anna. We remember him holding our 2 year old grandson, reassuring him as we watched the neighbors house burn. Who would have thought that in less than a year he would no longer be with us?

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We know how proud you were of your son and brother Sam.

Jim and Connie Baker

The outpouring of love, care, and concern has been astounding as our family tries to bear the loss of our son Sam. Words cannot express our gratitude for the heart-felt comments from so many people -- family, friends, even strangers. Thank you. We continue to need your thoughts and prayers as we revisit Sam's life in Duluth and the U.S. Navy over the next weeks.

A memorial Mass is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 28 at St. Michael's Church in Duluth, Minn., and a celebration will be held at 8 p.m. that evening at Marshall School. We look forward to sharing stories about Sam with all who attend.

Also, for your information, the Sam Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund is to benefit children at St. Michael's Lakeside School and Marshall School.

Dear Friends, I was present this evening for the service for Sam. It was beautiful, a real tribute to Sam and to your whole family. What a great young man he must have been. His goodness and love live on in the memories of him. May the Lord fill you with His courage, peace and strength as you face these next days.

Jackson

I want you to know that I am here for you. Whenever you need to talk, im here to listen. I am sorry about your brother and I pray that your family will be comforted at this time. Your brother is watching over you and I know that he is proud of you and your accomplishments. Even though I didnt know your brother,I can image what he would be like. I love you and Im here for you. Your family is always in my prayers and I pray that you will be comforted at this time in your life.

To the Cox and England Family

There was a collective hush when we got the e mail at Shelter Insurance. I think that just maybe this war had touched us personally for the first time. I am so saddened not to have met your brave and wonderful son, but I am fortunate enough to know his Aunt. My heart aches for your family. If there is anything in the world that we could do for you, all you have to do is ask. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Dear Jo, Jody, Anna & Jack,



I was so shocked and saddened to see the news about Sam in the paper yesterday. Don & I are so very sorry for your loss.



It seems like Sam, Anna and Jack were just yesterday three little kids, playing outside in the yard as we came to visit Ann and Pat and met your family, "the new neighbors". How time has flown by.



The article, as well as the tributes here, certainly show how your Sam lived for and died for what he believed. Not many people are so true to themselves and others.



We can only imagine your loss, and cannot presume to fully understand what you are going through. However, your family, and Sam's many friends and comrades, are all in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.



Again, my deepest sympathy is with you.



Lisa

Thanks for sending us the article about Sam. He Had accomplished so many things in his short life. All who knew him are so proud,and some of us wish we had known him better. Thanks to him, our country is a safer place and we pray he is in a better place. The Camp family and Vivian

Dear Cox Family, I had the privledge of attending St. Mikes with Sam. Although I haven't seen him in years, I can tell he has grown into a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

To the Cox family,

We were so sorry to read about Sam's death. We remember him so well as the great boy scout that he always was. Ready to help anyone at anytime.. And always doing the chores that no one else wanted to do. He was a teacher and inspiration to everyone around him. He fit in where ever he went.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Scott Bridget & Charlie Strudwick

Sam was an important family friend. I watched him grow up with my younger brother Joe from kindergarten through his senior year of high school and he was a regular fixture at our house growing up. He loved the idea of serving his country and you could not challenge him on any military item of historical significance because he had read every book that anything to do with our country's military history. Sam's loyalty to both his friends and his country was a part of what made him such a great guy.



To the Cox's:

My heart goes out to you. You have my deepest sympathies.



To Sam:

"...may you build a ladder to the stars, climb on every rung

and may you stay...forever young..."

Dear Jody and Jo, We cant tell you how much it meant to us to have both of you and Sam with us on our 50th anniversary celebration. All our kids had such a good time with Sam. He was avery special young man, and we were all so proud of him and what he had already accomplished in his life. We feel privileged to have spent time with him and gotten to know him. You are in our prayers ........we pray for Gods healing love to sustain you during this sad time. All our love, Aunt JoAnn and Uncle Jack

Dearest sister Jo & Jody, Jack & Annie,

I wish I could be with you all right now but will have to wait for our gathering. It's hard to believe sweet Sam is gone. He was so proud to be in the Navy & we admired him so. He will always be that blond, curly headed 2 year old clutching the little stone representing the Baby Jesus in the Nativity set we had. He would look up with that cute smile & say"Jeeze". He didn't put that rock down for days. I hope we can all cling to the rock of faith through this tragedy & remember the little boy who became the proud soldier. I love you, Karen

Dear Cox Family,

I am honored to have know your son and brother. I am honored to know he served his country with courage, conviction and bravery. My freedom today and always will be because of your loved one and others like him who sacrifice their most greatest gift - life. No words can express your loss but memories of Sam will light our way today and the days to come. With our most deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers we keep you all close in thought.

Love,

Leah, Bill, Claire, and Julia Klein

Dear Jo, Jody, Jackson, and Anna,



First I would like to pass along mine and my family’s condolences. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Sam was a great person who I have the utmost respect for. Sam was one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Once he set his mind to something he got it done. Sam was a great friend and teammate. We have lost not only a dedicated soldier but also an outstanding citizen. I know he was proud to serve our country. I will be forever grateful for the sacrifice he has made.



Sincerely,

Kevin

Dear Cox Family,
I did not know Sam but knew Jo in high school and loved being around her entire family. They were always so much fun! My heart goes out to you all - I can't begin to imagine what this must be like. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I thank God every day that there are brave people like Sam who are willing to take care of all of us!

Jody, Jo, Anna and Jack:
I know that you have all been so proud of Sam, and that feeling has spread to your friends and co-workers. We are all proud of what he accomplished.
The comfort I can offer is to rely on those family and friends...and stand firm in your faith. Psalms 121:1-2 - I lift up my eyes to the hills...where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Know that you are in my family's prayers as well as your many other friends.

I very much appreciate the friendship I had with Sam while at Marshall, and will forever cherish the fond memories of high school with him. His complete dedication to school, athletics, religion, family, and ultimately his dreams remains an inspiration for all.

Dearest Cox Family

My heart is heavy today as I hear the very sad news of Sam's death. It seems like only yesterday that his contagous smile came into the St. Michael's school gym where he proclaimed himself a professional sofa player and proceeded to offer his assistance in teaching the rest of the class on how to become a professional. It was a rare occasion that people saw Sam in a down mood - he could always put a smile on your face. Sam's life ia a testimony of living your dream - I never remeber him saying he was going to be anything other than a servicemen. I am proud to have known him and my deepest sympathy goes to the entire family.

Sue Mickelson-Lehna

Dear Cox Family:

I had the pleasure of meeting Sam while he was employed by CP Internet in Duluth. He is a very smart, generous & kind person who will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Pamelyn Peterson

Jo,Jody,Jack & Anna,
I am the grandfather of a student at St. Michael's School in Duluth. I came to know Sam through his mother who had my grandson for 3 years in preschool. One Spring the class went to the Cox home for a party and Sam was there helping. He must have been about 15 years old. Certainly a time when most teens are preoccupied with themselves and have little time for others. Not Sam, I was surprised by his attention to all the preschoolers. He was watchful that they were safe. Talked to them as if they were "Somebody" and seemed to really enjoy having them there. I will always have that image of Sam in my mind. I left that day thinking, "What a nice young man, so refreshing, quiet and stable". I projected the thought that a son everyone would be proud to have.
I know the Cox family is profoundly sad and nothing anyone can say will heal the hurt and the sadness. Perhaps it is helpful to know that Sam had such a positive effect on everyone he touched. What more can any of us wish for.
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our family will pray for all of you to pass through this time with love in the knowledge that Sam will be remembered tenderly and with respect and admiration.
The Kalligher Family

Sam Cox was one of the first people I met at The Marshall School in Duluth MN. His smile and companionship made a huge impression, and he became a very good friend of mine during high school. In my difficult times while in school, Sam was always available to help in any way he could. That was Sam's nature, willing to assist and always understanding.

He was a brilliant student and talented athlete, I greatly admired Sam for his incredible skill in overcoming any obstacle.

I am filled with overwhelming sadness of Sam's death. My prayers and thoughts are with his family- Jody, Jo, Jackson and Anna.

Sam's courage, service and respect will not be forgotten.

I am sorry to hear about the death of your son. All of you are in my prayers.

Sam:
I'm so glad that we'd spent the last year getting to know each other better. We were buds in high school, but only recently have we really become close. It's the time that I've spent talking to you while you've been away that I'm so grateful for. Remember that time you told me I brightened your day? Well, you brightened mine every time me spoke. You've been a great friend and confidant to me, and I hope that you can say the same of me. You're always so interesting, funny, and serious at the same time. I'm proud to have known you, and proud to have you as a friend. I'll miss you forever.

To the Cox family:
I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss, but I hope that you can take comfort in seeing others write what you already know- Sam has affected people, lots of people in a really great way.

To Joe Newstrom:
In the past year as I've been talking with Sam, you came up a lot. I just want you to know how much he valued you as a friend and as a person. He really cared about you and couldn't wait to hang out with you again.

Jody and family:
My love and prayers are with you today. May God bless you and keep you strong in this time of difficulty.

With love
hiram

Jody, Jo, Jack & Annie,

My prayers are for you and Sam.

Some people have a calling to the military - which is a challenging life choice, and Sam did.

Sam understood duty, and while we may never know how many lives he touched or saved during the war in Iraq, be sure that he did make a difference.

Please know that Sam made a positive impression on many people, and he is being loved and rewarded now.

John Lueckenotte

Jody, Jo, Jack and Anna,

I am absolutely heartbroken over the loss of Sam. At times it seems inconceivable.
I am so greatful to have had the chance to see him when we all visited at mom's in Ashland. I was taken at how much he had grown up. Although he was always a confident kid, his confidence had taken on a maturety that was very different from the boy I had known before. He showed excitement and pride about the career he had chosen and the things he was doing in the Navy. I felt excited for him and I was proud of my young cousin. I will always remember him that way.
I know in my heart at this moment that Sam is alright yet, my cheeks remain dampened with tears over the grief and sorrow you are feeling at the loss of your son and brother.
Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

All of my love,
Charley

I am Sam's sister. Thank you to everyone who wrote in the guestbook and shared their thoughts, feelings, and memories of Sam. It feels so good to know that so many people cared so much about one person. Sam was the greatest. Thank you to everyone in Duluth and people we have never met who wrote something. My family and I sincerly appreciate everything everyone has done for us. Pray for Sam. He is surely watching over all of us now, smiling with a book in his hand.

Greetings and Salutations.

There are select few words in situations like this. My thoughts and prayers go out for Sam, to his family, and to all who mourn him. I went to highschool with him, and I have many fond memories.
Senior year together was interesting, of course; everyone was planning for their future. Sam was all about the Navy... I'm glad to see that he made it and was living his dream.
That's the kind of guy he was though... he never let anything get him down. He wouldn't give up. He'd make it happen. He had the persistence and the ability to use the talents he had, and to foster those he didn't. He was loyal to his family, his friends, and his country. He never let me down and I've never heard an example to the contrary. Sam was exemplary as a student, as a person, and as many other things besides. It was an honor to know him, and an even greater honor to call him my friend.

Dear Cox Family,

I'm deeply sorry for your loss, and I pray that your family will gain strength through Sam's memory.

It seems like just yesterday that I was putting an article about Sam that Kaitlyn Murphy wrote into the Marshall newspaper, and hearing updates about him when I was sitting in Chico Anderson's class. This is why it was such a shock to recognize his picture on the front page.

Though I did not personally know Sam, I know he touched many people at Marshall and he will never be forgotten.

As the wife of a former Navy service member, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family members at this time. I cannot image the heartache you must be experiencing, but know that there are people out there who do appreciate Sam's sacrifice for his country and family.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cox, Jack, and Anna,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sam will always be remembered. I will never forget the time when Anna, Kaitlyn, and I were in Sam's car and I was apparently sitting in his garbage area. Anna took a sticker off of Sam's dashboard and Sam took it to try to stick in his garbage but got my foot instead. I also remember Anna always saying how many war and Navy movies Sam watched and how every time she watched JAG he would point out scenes that were taken from movies. He was a great person and a real hero. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Courtney Murphy

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Sam at CP Internet in Duluth. He was a great guy and he will be missed by a lot of people. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I didn't know Sam, but I know most of his family and work with both Jody and Anna. I can't fathom what they're going through. I do know that they greatly appreciate the support that they have gotten from friends and family.

For those who are interested, a scholarship fund has been established in Sam's memory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:
        Sam Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund
        c/o North Shore Bank of Commerce
        131 West Superior Street
        Duluth, MN  55802

Our family thanks everyone for their kind messages of support and condolence. We want to pass on the following information:

Memorial services for Sam Cox will be 7 p.m. Friday at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Oakview, Mo., and Tuesday at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sigonella. Burial will be later in Arlington National Cemetery, Va.

Memorials can be made to the Sam Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of North Shore Bank of Commerce, 131 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802.

Again, thanks.

Dear Jody, Mary Jo, and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your Family. We have put you on our prayer list and have asked that God give you the strength and peace to get through this time.
With Love,
Dan and Kathy Dever

Mr. & Mrs. Cox, Jack, and Anna,

I am so sorry for your loss. Sam's death is a loss that will affect so many people. I was so shocked to read about what happened. Sam was an awesome guy...definitely someone everybody looked up to. I won't forget the years I did just that at St. Michael's and Marshall. I hope you are all doing well. God bless you and know that Sam is in a better place.

Dear Jody
I am so sorry for what has happened to your son. I had the honor to meet him in Virginia when we attended school there for the MH-53E. I was once stationed in Sicily at HC-4. I saw alot of promise and good things to come for Sam, I knew he would have no problems at all becoming a great Naval Aircrewman and also an Officer in the United States Navy. To say the least I was very impressed with him. Since I am a fellow flyer he will always be a brother to me and this is a tragic loss. I not only lost him but also the other Aircrewman Brian Gibson whom i have know since 1996. I wish the best for all the families and my heart felt apologies got out to each and eveyone of you. Your son will never be forgotten. God Bless

Dear Cox Family,
I did not know your son personally but I fly on the same aircraft that your son did. I am with HM-15. I just wanted to let you know that even though I did not know your loved one I have heard how he is a very smart, kind, and loving individual. He passed away defending our country, the noblest way to go. I wish that I would have been able to of met him. I left Virginia only a few months before he arrived. He is in all of our thoughts and prayers here at HM-15. May God be with you during your time of hardship.

Dear Jackson,

My deepest sympathies for the loss of your brother. My recollection of Sam through basketball and school was that of hard working, intelligent, kind man, and a leader at heart. His determination of achieving his dreams was always something I admired. I pray for you and your family that you can endure through this terrible time.
Your friend,
Chad Hammerlind