Samuel "Sam" James Daniels

This memorial was created in honor of Samuel "Sam" James Daniels of Sacramento, California. Samuel was born on January 10, 1934 in Hammond, LA and passed on February 11, 2015. Samuel was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all friends and family.

SAMUEL "SAM" JAMES DANIELS

Sam was a patient, free-spirited, fun-loving, husband, father, brother, and friend. He lived life on his own terms and took a courageous stand in refusing treatment for a failing health issue, so he died on his own terms as well. Sam, the only son of Booker Thomas Daniels and Asalee Perkins Daniels, began his life in Hammond, Louisiana. As a youngster, he relocated with his parents and older sister, Bertha, to Oakland, California, where he eventually completed his formal education at McClymonds High School. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, two former wives, and a son, Kevin. He is survived by me, Carolyn, his wife of 45 years, three sons, Brice, Darius (Sheila), and Samuel Jr and four daughters, Asalee, Leigh, Lyn Hunter (Aaron), and Yvette. He also leaves to cherish his memory, 16 grandchildren, his sister, Bertha Mae Plummer, and a host of other relatives and friends. For many years Sam was employed as a United Cannery worker. Prior to that he had spent a short period of time in the U.S. Marine Corps. In the late 60s-early 70s he had worked in the Baggage Claims Department at Greyhound Bus Depot. He was injured while working there and left to attend Heald Business College with a major in Accounting. In the midst of all this he became a self-taught "backyard " or "shade tree" mechanic, and it was, at times, very lucrative. Sam enjoyed cars and owned several throughout his life, but Pontiacs were his favorite. In his younger years, he was a very skillful driver and was always ready for a spontaneous road trip. Cooking was also something that Sam put a lot of love into and took a lot of pride in. He was very good at it and had many specialties that he could whip up quickly. One that I delighted in was what he called his "Sam Burger". As Sam advanced in age and his physical conditions worsened, he became an avid viewer of western television shows and movies. He also enjoyed listening to old-school musical artists such as Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson, and The Delphonics. He often whistled as he worked, and tunes of these artists and others were easily recognizable. Sam also loved a good game of cards or dominoes, and he was especially skillful at both. In his later years, Sam began a formal study of the Bible. This was much to my delight, because as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I have a strong bond with our Creator and his Word, the Bible. During the last difficult hours of Sam's life, we shared thoughts about the Bible's promises for the future. That future and those promises include Sam. This memorial will highlight them and keep me strengthened with the fact that, really, he is Never Gone.