Scott A. M. Sams

Scott Aaron Michel Sams, born on July 12,1951 in Kenosha, WI to the late Arthur and Louise Sams, passed away on September 20, 2024 in Libertyville, IL. He was a devoted father, brother, uncle, and friend of many in the Lake County area, specifically the Grayslake area township.
Scott Sams grew up in Winthrop Harbor on a modest farm where he developed his love for animals and nature. He had four sisters: the late Shirley Sams, Shelley, Sharon, and Sheryl who all reside in Oregon. He always told stories of their horses, dogs, chickens, ducks etc. He attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse. He was a Boy Scout, where he continued to develop his love of nature, survival skills, and community service on a path that would lead to him wanting to become a US National Park Service Ranger or a National Geographic explorer/photographer.
He attended Zion Benton High School where he played ZeeBee basketball and ran Cross Country graduating on June 5, 1970. Scott took an interest in history (American Revolution through Vietnam War), geography, geology, and art but above all his family's genealogy has been the one to carry on his Sams family name. He was a standout athlete who received several offers to compete in college at Kansas State, Oregon, and others. However, he would continue his education at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL where he would play Lancer basketball and set records at the school for Cross Country. He competed in many meets throughout the Midwest including competing at the National Cross-Country Meet in Hutchinson, Kansas on November 14, 1970. He then met his former wife Sally Jean Falknor. Scott was introduced to Sally by the late Gordon Scott Falknor while running together on the Cross-Country team. Though he was a patriot who always loved military history and had the utmost respect for our Nation's armed forces, he was blessed to have never been drafted into the Vietnam War.
Scott and Sally were married at United Protestant Church in Grayslake, IL on June 14,1980 and bought their first home on School Street in Grayslake. They had two children, Meghan and Kellan. Scott and Sally divorced on June 7, 1994 but both continued to live in Grayslake where their children attended school. Scott played a big part in the children's lives coaching and supporting them through their diverse athletic careers, following his legacy in track & field and basketball. Most notably Meghan's state track meets in middle and high school and coaching Kellan's baseball team to a Championship in 1998. His greatest pride came in the form of his two grandsons, Cooper and Miles Marabella who currently compete in football and basketball for Antioch. Scott aka "Bumpa" by his grandchildren, remained involved in his grandson's sports for as long as he could and traveled wherever they were to see them play. His legacy lives on through these young, smart, and talented men. His other pride and joy was his granddaughter Mabry Sams, although she is traveling the world with her dad in the military, Grandpa loved Face Timing, hearing about her day, and sending her packages with treats and German-made Steiff stuffed animals. He was described by family and friends as funny, sports-loving, lived for his family, and always there for us all. He never hesitated to help a stranger in need or a wounded animal in the wild.
Scott A.M. Sams was a Local 54 Carpenters and Joiners Union carpenter for over 50 years serving various grocery and department stores, restaurants, the Chicago convention center, and various other projects both large and small throughout the Chicagoland area. He loved country music from George Strait to Luke Combs and classic rock from The Eagles to Boston. He was an avid golfer and made friends along the Lake County circuit playing in leagues and tournaments, but mostly playing with his core group of local golfers at Brae Loch Golf Club.
Scott A.M. Sams is survived by his former spouse Sally Falknor in Grayslake. His daughter Meghan Marabella, her husband Timothy Marabella, and their two sons Cooper and Miles who reside in Antioch. His son US Army Ranger Major Kellan Scott Sams, his wife Amanda, and daughter Mabry who currently reside in Colorado.
Scott wished to be cremated upon his death, and for his family to host a small gathering of loved ones for a Celebration of Life in his honor, which is currently TBD and will be posted on this site and shared via social media at a later date.
"Hey sports fans, I love ya. I'm down in the front row." – Bob Uecker
"Scotty doesn't know!" – Lustra
"Do not go gentle into that good night." – Dylan Thomas
"Be bad Be tough and don't give up!" – Scot A.M. Sams
Find the Official Scott A.M. Sams Obituary & Memorials Page Only at www.LindenFunerals.com
Funeral Arrangements & Services Provided By:
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120 Peterson Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
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