Michael Joseph Sams

Michael Joseph Sams obituary

Michael Joseph Sams

Upcoming Events

Oct

25

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Evergreen Chapel

4535 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

Send Flowers

Oct

25

Inurnment

Evergreen Cemetery

4535 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

Send Flowers

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.

Michael Sams Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Murray Brothers Funeral Home, Inc. - Cascade Chapel on Oct. 15, 2025.

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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Retired Police Officer Michael Joseph Sams,
who passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the age of 65, following complications from a
stroke.

Officer Sams was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and graduated from William M. Raines Senior High
School.

He began his career with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) in August 1978 as a Corrections
Officer. He later transitioned to the role of Police Officer, serving as a Patrol Officer for many years
before transitioning to the role of Detective as an Evidence Technician. Later, he was assigned to
the Seaport Security Unit where he remained until retirement. After 29 years of dedicated service
to the citizens of Jacksonville, Officer Sams retired from the JSO in October 2007.

Following his retirement from JSO, he continued his law enforcement service with the University of
North Florida Police Department, where he served as an Officer and was later promoted to the rank
of Sergeant. He remained with UNF for several years before retiring fully.

In retirement, Officer Sams remained active with family and friends. Two months ago, he relocated to
Atlanta, Georgia, to be closer to his loved ones, where he remained until his passing.

Officer Sams is survived by his mother, Shigeko Sams; his brother, Vincent Gardner Sams (Patricia
Gillum Sams); his sister, Laura Sams Haynes; three nephews, Austin Gardner Sams, Myles Joseph
Sams, Blake Joseph Haynes; one niece, Saige-Simone Haynes; and other cherished members of his
extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Gardner Sams, Jr., who passed away in 1998.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 am, at Evergreen Chapel, 4535 N.
Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206.

The JSO Honor Guard will render honors at that time.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Michael Joseph Sams, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Upcoming Events

Oct

25

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Evergreen Chapel

4535 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

Send Flowers

Oct

25

Inurnment

Evergreen Cemetery

4535 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

Send Flowers

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.