Me Sams was my government teacher- summer School 1987. Mr. Sams was one of those teachers that you look back on and think “that person made a difference in my life - He was  special”. 

Mr. Sams made my miserable summer school class an amazing one.  I played trumpet with his son Chris. He was a very nice young man and took after his father. I offer my condolences to Chris and his family. Your dad really did make a difference in the lives of students. God bless and take care.

Sharon, please accept my condolences for your loss.  I wrote to you recently at the Chiswick Park address to notify you of the passing of Emma Jane on June 8th. A memorial service was held yesterday at the Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax.  I've tried to call you but neither of the two numbers accept messages. With Sympathy, J. Worth Neelley at  434-589-3981

I grew up in Williamsburg but was not fortunate to have Mr Sams as an instructor.  I had may friends speak of his passion and kindness.  I was struck to find him as a patient.  We laughed and cried together and we fought cancer through a pandemic together with fierceness and grace.  His heart was huge and his love for family and community was so deep and so pure.  I am humbled and honored by our time together;  the trust, compassion and strength of his family ... thank you for sharing Mr Sams with us, our world is forever brighter because of his smile and laughter that so often moved him to tears, he was a treasure.  

I had Mr. Sams in AP Comparative Government, we had very different views but all views were welcome and debated. One day we got him talking about what he thought happened to JFK  and much to our delight, we spent the whole class on it and got a quiz postponed. More then anything, he cared for his students, my mom passed away my senior year of high school and Mr. Sams came to the funeral and gave me the kindest hug, I still remember it. It is obvious from these comments that he touched many lives. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike after I was hired to teach in the Social Studies Department at Jamestown HS back in 2000.  For the next six years, I learned from him, laughed with him, and gained a friend for life. Not to mention, I saw firsthand the love and devotion to Sharon and his children. It was definitely the type of marriage I hoped to have one day. Early in my tenure, I got engaged and planned to marry in Pennsylvania near family. Mike and Sharon made that weekend trip to celebrate with me and I truly felt like I became a part of his extended family. Heaven has gained a great storyteller and all-around wonderful person. My prayers to Sharon and the entire Sams family. May the support of all who loved Mike lift you up when you need it most.

Dear Sharon and Family,
      So sorry to hear of your loss.  Mike always demonstrated his love for his faith and family where ever we happened to meet.  He was a role model for many- in many ways.   Keeping you and your family in our prayers.  
 
Darlene and George

I want to extend my sympathies to Mr. Sams' family. He helped me and my colleagues many times by substitute teaching our classes.  I could always count on him to leave me informative, thorough notes about the day I had missed.  He was a fixture at our school, and gave his time generously.  

When we look back on our high school years, we can often think of a select few teachers that made a difference in our lives. For me, that was Mr. Sams. He was kind, he listened, he was encouraging, he was funny, he wore great ties, and he made me feel seen and heard as a student. I remember applying to college and having my heart set on one school. Mr. Sams believed in me (even when I didn’t) and wrote me a recommendation that I know helped me get into that school. I have thought of him often over the years and wish now that I could have thanked him and told him how much he meant to me as a teacher.

I know he made an imprint on the lives of every  student he taught. I am grateful to have been one of them. 

Sending my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing Mr. Sams with us. And Mr. Sams, thank you for being a gift to this world, and for all those free samples at the cheese shop.  

Whenever I ran into Mike, I could sense his passion for government and for passing that love of democracy on to his students.  My sincere condolences to the Sams family.

Mike Sams taught two of my daughters and was one of those special teachers who truly touched their lives..He related so well to his high school students ...always giving them the chance to be themselves and appreciating the differences each brought to his classroom. He encouraged them to question and look at issues from many different sides. I was fortunate to be the 4th grade teacher of his youngest daughter, Martha Kelley at D.J. Montage Elementary. Martha Kelley one of those special students who came to fourth grade well prepared, had a zest for learning, and had the total support of her parents...Mike and Sharon.  During this same year, both Mike and Sharon took a personal day off work to hold a surprise birthday party for me in December.. Who does that! Mike left a mark on my life and  the lives of my daughters..... memories that we will forever carry.... Be at peace now Mike...You will be missed..





My  deepest sympathy  goes out to the Sam’s family.   The family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you heal from this.  Those treasured memories will never be forgotten! May God bless you all!🙏

Mr Sams was a lot of things for me though he started as he did for many others -- a teacher.  He was my teacher for two years, then he mentored me as I was in college to become a teacher, and then he hired me for my first job: teaching Summer school.  

Mr Sams was always teaching me.  First History then Government then how to lecture and how to work a gradebook.  I still use a lot of his tools when I preach some 20 years later.  Somewhere in there, too, he transitioned to teaching me about kindness, importance of debate without ugliness, the vitality of a personal faith.  And forever asking me when I would marry Tonya.

I remember in my student-teaching, how we would go to his house for lunch break and talk; sometimes it was about teaching Social Studies; most of the time it was about how I was, and in those talks, when he realized the meagerness of a college student's menu, he quietly, non-chalantly, armed with that sarcastic and slightly arrogant eye-roll would make me lunch.

I could never bring myself to call him Mike as he asked me to upon graduating from Jamestown -- I had too much respect, too much love and admiration for him.  Mister Sams. That was the best I could muster. 

The way he playfully slapped students with his tie.   The manufactured laugh that would abruptly end in his declaring my answer or silly comment was "Uh, no thank you--wrong."  How he accepted and fought for all students.  How he drew the best out.  How he commanded I write like an adult, type everything, or fail his class because my handwriting was that of a child. The story he told of moving a paragraph in college with 'cut and paste' for the first time and how it made him "feel like God".  I'll always remember his gait: that tall frame wasted on those tiny steps.

Mrs Sams, Chris, Mary Beth, Martha Kelley -- all the family -- I'm so  sorry for this passing.  I'm so sorry for the void of person and passion that will be forever present now because he was a mountain of a good soul.    

My thoughts and prayers  go out to the Sam’s family.  I worked with him at Jamestown and he was the warmest funniest and happiest soul. I am very saddened by this news. He was a wonderful man and will be  missed by so many. 

To Sharon and the Sam Family,  
I'm saddened to hear of Mike's death and send you all my condolences.  I have many fond memories of Mike from both Wellspring Church and  his years at Jamestown High School.  An image I forever hold is of him tenderly carrying my daughter  off the soccer field when she was hurt during a game.  I could see in his eyes that he was one of my Wellspring Family that had prayed for her survival from cancer the previous year.  Mike, rest in peace, your job here was well done!

Mr. Sams would always sub for my middle school classes. He always made class fun whenever your previous classes had been tough. He will be missed at school and in life.

Mr. Sams was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I learned so much in his World History class and he really inspired my interest in history. He was so engaging and really cared about his students.

My favorite memory of him is when he assigned class projects that we would have to present in front of the class. I was a quiet girl and terrified of public speaking. I decided to build a miniature wooden guillotine. When it was my turn to present, I told the class about the history of the guillotine and chopped off a Barbie’s head for the demonstration. I will never forget how hard he laughed, almost to the point of tears. He thought it was so funny that the quietest kid built something like this. He asked to keep my project, which I thought was a huge honor.

Over a decade later, I found out that he lived on the same street as my grandmother, Rose. I couldn’t believe it, but he remembered me and still had my project. I regret that I did not get a chance to see him again before he passed, but I hope he knows what a great impact he had on all of his students. He will truly be missed. 

Mr Sams class remains one of my favorite memories from high school.  He is one of my favorite grade school teachers.  I had so much fun in his class and is the primary reason I started voting at a young age he is the reason and why I am a registered voter.   Thank you Sams family for sharing him with all of us.  He will be missed. 

I remember Mr. Sams well from my time at Jamestown High School. He was one of my favorite teachers and I'll always be grateful for the energy he brought to his teaching.

My deepest condolences to your family, Mr. Sams was the most caring man when it came to his students. He was my substitute teacher in middle school and high school 20 years ago... Then he taught 2 of my 3 kids at QLMS. I remember the first day I walked into QLMS and Mr. Sams was in the office and he said hi Laura, how have you been? It was like time never passed. He was the only substitute teacher that truly cared and went over and beyond for each student. Thank you so much for everything Mr. Sams, gone but NEVER forgotten. 

Mr. Sams was a great man and a wonderful educator.  We lost a very good man.  We got to know him from his time subbing at York High.  Right away he became a Falcon.  He will be greatly missed!!!💙🤍💙🤍

When I was struggling he always  went above and beyond!  BOTH WITH SCHOOL  OR PERSONAL!  I WILL NEVER FORGET  HE FOUND ME AND SAID U WASN'T  YOURSELF  TODAY WHAT'S  GOING ON ! I SAID THANKS GOD FOR SENDING  YOUR ANGEL ! THIS MAN believed  in me when I didn't !Forever grateful!!😘😘😘

I had the honor to be a Student of Mr.Sams,and Will forever remember  the compassion  he had for teaching but mostly his care he had for his students ,to succeeded. My Condolences  Go to his Family .God Bless

Dearest Sharon,

 I'm so sad to hear of Mike's passing. I think of you both often and want you to know how much I enjoyed being your neighbour, if even for a short time. I will always remember Mike and his great sense of humour. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lorraine Radtke

Dear Sharon and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.  May your memories always be a blessing.  Sending prayers for all.
Mickie, Morgan, and Kelly 

I will cherish the memories I had with Grandaddy Sams for the rest of my life. My fondest memories were when we would always go to breakfast at either Burger King or McDonalds, where we would always get either French Toast sticks or pancakes, respectively. And I won’t forget the times when we drove around the parking lot of the Williamsburg Tourism center, looking at each license plate to try and find all 50 states. I love you and I miss you, thank you for making my childhood amazing. 

I have memories of Michael as I was growing up in Greensboro, NC.  His brother, Richard, was my sister's husband and the Sams family was a special part of our extended family.   I loved to hear him sing. My parents enjoyed many fun vacation trips with the Sams family.  Alan and I both would like to express our deepest sympathy in your loss.    Brenda & Alan Redmon 

Sams  family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and I both enjoyed our time in Mr. Sams’ class. He was a kind and compassionate teacher, and he will be missed by many.

So very saddened to hear of Mr. Sam’s passing. He was such a passionate teacher and so caring of all his students. To MaryBeth and all his family, cherish your memories and know that he left his mark on many! May his memory be eternal 🙏🏽

he was one of the best substitute teachers i ever had, i remember all the time when he would sub for my classes he would just tell us to not act a fool and he would take a nap in class or joke around with us.

I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He and Sharon were beyond wonderful to my late mother for many, many years. My sincere condolences to Sharon and the entire Sams family. May he rest in peace.

Most Sincerely,
Tom Sadler

Hello! So many nice memories and comments already.  We would love to have anyone who is posting here submit a short video sharing a special memory about him; the videos will be edited into a tribute to share with his family, since the pandemic prevents them from having a larger service right now:  

https://www.tribute.co/michael-sams/ 

Thank you! 

I was so saddened to learn of Mike's passing.  He was a great man and a wonderful friend to my parents and our entire family for many decades.  Our prayers and most heartfelt condolences pour out to Sharon, Chris, Mary Beth,  Martha Kelley and their families.   May God bless and comfort you during this time.

-John Sadler

I can count on one hand the people in my life that have had the greatest influence on my early years, and who are responsible for saving me from myself. At Jamestown Academy, I was fortunate to have met two, both of whom are now passed...Judy Brown and, now, Michael Sams. He has been in my thoughts often and burned in my memory always. I will think of him evermore with a twinkle and a smile, but today I mourn the loss of Mr. Sams, a great man, a good friend.


I worked with Mr. Sams at Bruton High School and Queens Lake Middle School. He was one of my most trusted substitutes. I loved seeing him in the building when he was subbing for another teacher and getting to chat with him in the hallway or the teachers' lounge. Even though he was a history and government teacher, I know he loved English, too. I have missed seeing him as we've been out of school for so long, and I am sad that I won't see him again. We were blessed that he continued to substitute after retiring from teaching. He will be missed. 

"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.  They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.  Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.  We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love."  ~ Leo Buscaglia

My heart is broken in hearing the news of Mr. Sams passing.   My affection for him extends to you and your family during this time.  Mr. Sams worked in our school and was a valued and respected presence in our building.   I looked forward to working with him again as his absence has been and will be noticed as we work to gain some normalcy in these trying times.   My deepest sympathies.  Your loss is our loss and we mourn with you.  

I was a student of his at LHS and he was such a wonderful teacher and a kind man.  He made me love history more than I already did and taught us there were  many reasons why events occurred; don’t just look for the easy one.  I was a better student and citizen because of what he taught us. Thank you sir.

Mr. Sams was an instrumental influence for both my brother, Michael (Spike) and me during high school. His humor, his support and his ultimate kindness.

He love both his students and his family hard. He was the perfect balance of being a teacher and mentor. He shared sweet stories about his family and just inspired us to be good humans.

I’m so sorry to hear this news.  Mr. Sams was a wonderfully quirky man with an amazing  smile and a big heart.  Stacey and I grew up with him as a constant presence in our lives at church and school.  He sang in a men’s quintet that our fathers were in and they sang at our wedding some 24 years ago .  Our prayers and love go out to Sharon , their children , grandchildren and all who loved him.  He will be greatly missed.   Heaven gained a very talented tenor.  Rest In Peace Mike.  

I am remembering all the good days Mike gave to my teaching career. He was such a special person and a born teacher. His perspective on teaching and young people always made me think harder about choices  I needed to make. I am thinking about his family and send my thoughts about what a wonderful person Mike was for me.

Oh Mr. Sams...what can I say! An upstanding, caring, very endearing and patient man. I was an LHS student years ago when he was a teacher there. But my fondest memories are when he and I worked together as substitute teachers at Bruton in recent years. We laughed about how the tables had turned and now me as a former student was his colleague and protector. I say protector because on that specific day we were up against a tough class and I wasn't gonna let anyone disrespect him. He was a legend in my eyes and an honor to be working with. 
Well done Mr. Sams. Take your rest sir. You will be missed and your memories are treasured.

OBITUARIO

Michael Graham Sams

26 agosto, 1943 – 8 febrero, 2021

Nelsen Williamsburg

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios