James B. Samuel Jr.

Obituary of James Samuel
James B. Samuel Jr., 67, of Niles, passed away due to sudden health complications on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at the Lakeland St. Joseph Hospital.
On April 12, 1955, James was born in Merrill, Michigan, to Elizabeth J. Samuel, and the late James B Samuel Sr.
James was a man who honored his country, his family, and his friends. He served in the United States Army for 22 years before retiring and had a chance to travel and see the beauty our world has to offer. He joined the service after graduating in the class of 1973 from Merrill High School. He was a man's man, he enjoyed the outdoors and all things that it has to offer, he also prioritized his family and made sure that his three sons never went without. The military took his family all over the country before he eventually settled in Niles. He enjoyed teaching his boys how to hunt, fish, and trap, as well as many of the life skills he picked up in the military. He always prioritized the time that he was able to spend with his kids and when it was his time to be a grandpa, he soaked up every second he had with them. Quality time was of utmost importance to him and he never failed to take advantage of the time he was given. He created many memories while camping all over the state of Michigan. "Papa Jim" knew how to create a fun, interactive environment for the kids, even in the middle of the woods. James Samuel left his mark on the world, he did the best he could to show his friends and family how much he cared, doing so by sharing his valuable time. He will be missed but his memory will carry forward with all those he loved and cared for.
Preceding James in death includes his dad, James B. Samuel Sr.; extended family members, fallen comrades, and many friends.
Those who live on to share his memory are his three sons, Justin (Shannon) Samuel of Dowagiac, Joseph Samuel of Carrolton, Georgia, and Jeff Samuel of Niles; grandchildren, Alyssa, Isaac, Chloe, Scarlett, Aiden, Ella, and Connor Samuel; his mother, Elizabeth Josephine (Sefcik) Samuel; siblings, Robert (Lynne) Samuel of Central Lake, Donald (Joyce) Samuel of Winfield, Kansas, Daniel Samuel of Sanford, and Ronald Samuel, of Merrill.
Following his wishes, the family will follow through with cremation and will host a celebration on their own at a later date.
 A Memorial Mass will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday November 11, 2022 at  St. John XXII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic  419 South Midland Street, Merrill, MI 48637 Friends may call at the church from 10:30 until the time of the service, Burial of cremains will follow at 2:00p.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery.