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BORN
1964
DIED
2024
Jay Samples Obituary
May 24, 1964 - January 26, 2024
Jay K Samples has left us much too soon. He is on his way to reunite with his son.
Jay was born in Santa Rosa and grew up on Chico Avenue, where many friendships began and were still a part of his life. In 1980 the family moved to Sebastopol where Jay went on to graduate from Analy High. He married Judy Grose in 1984 and began his family, having two children, Kirsten and Jay Jr. Having worked well over a decade for the family business, Roto Rooter, Jay decided to work with his wife's family at D&J Auto. He was doing what he loved, wrenching on cars. Jay was happiest with his family enjoying life. He had many interests and was a winner at them all. Fishing, hunting for arrowheads, playing pool, golfing, and riding his Harleys, to name a few.
He is survived by his parents Nancy and Jerry Samples, and sisters Karla Eastham, (Matt) Tammi Johnson (Rusty) and Paula Dillon, (Adam). His best friend and ex-wife, Judy. Daughter, Kirsten Thurber, (Arlen) and grandkids, Kayleigh, Dustin, Bambi, and Jayson. Many nieces and nephews. Jay was preceded in death by his son Jay K Samples Jr. He is loved by all and will be terribly missed.
A Celebration of Jay's Life will be held on February 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Samples
5 Entries
shawn parker
February 25, 2024
I met Jay soon after the Samples clan moved to Sebastopol, and that was the start of what became a friendship of over 40 years. Soon after he graduated he somehow managed to move into an entry room off the breezeway on the side of the house with Paul Bunyan, Dennis Nails Astin, and me. Among other friends who shuffled in for awhile. This was at the Country Club Animal House on Piezzi.... remember that place?
From those early years and throughout the next 4 decades there is a long list of things done and places went, some bigger and adventurous, others just getting together with friends. Some that come to mind are CC Camp,,catfish derbies at the Oaks, finding bottle dumps and arrowheads, prospecting gold, and a bunch of years just having a good friend who you could always count on.
When they moved to Washington, he came down to meet me and Willie and fishing and camping for a week in Modoc County, rippin' some lip on some big German brown trout!
Even a couple years ago Jay, Rich, and I went there again, this time Jay got skunked... he blamed it on Willie putting a curse on him.
So looking back at all the little things I realized that those were the big and best things in life.
I have no siblings... but I just lost a brother....and it hurts.
Shawn Parker
Robb Burns
February 23, 2024
Boy do I remember Jay, spent a lot of time with him and his family on Chico ave as a kid, lots bbq's and drinking parents. Had an awesome trip with our dads backpacking in the Warner mountains 10/11 years old? The trip that paved the way to my love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Our parents carried on for years with bbq's and countless late night parties. We lost touch for a bit until high school, didn't hang out too much then but always seemed to remanence about the early days and always shared a mutual respect having grown up together. Great guy and I am happy to have known him and his family! Definitely missed but not forgotten! Robb Burns
Harvey Johnson
February 19, 2024
I was saddened to learn of Jay's passing.The Samples family as a whole has been a part of my life for many years.Jay like his grandfather and father was family oriented and hard working.I have many memories of growing up Jay and will miss he dearly.May he rest in peace.
Rosalie Martin
February 19, 2024
Sending our deepest condolences to the Samples family from the Sandage family.
Jay was one of the most wild and hilarious people I knew growing up as a kid on liana drive.. there was no way of knowing what he was going to do or say when you crossed paths with him, but it was always a interesting story to tell....there was never a dull moment when Jay was around!
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John Perry
February 18, 2024
Very sorry to see of Jay's passing. He played Little League for me in 1975 and 1976 on my A's team at Westside. The last time I saw him was at a team reunion I had at Christmas time. He was one of my pitchers and was a very good hitter. Always played his hardest and never gave me any problems, Always behaved himself and was a good teammate.
My condolences to his family
Sincerely,
John Perry
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