James F. Sammons

Sammons. His sister, Cheryl, came along in 1945. The family moved and lived for a short time in

Brownsville, Texas. Then, in 1951, they settled in Redondo Beach, CA.

As a teenager, Jimmy spent a brief time in military academy and then attended Redondo Union

High School. At seventeen, he joined the Navy and spent two years serving our country. Then he received his high school diploma in June 1960.

At age 19, Jimmy met the love of his life, Melinda Lou Hazelip, at a roller rink. They got married

April 26, 1960 in Garden Grove, CA. Jimmy and Linda remained married for an amazing 61 years.

One of his first jobs after being married was at Disneyland. Then he began his lifelong career

as a second generation steamfitter. He was initiated into Local Union 250 in 1965 and was known to his coworkers as Hippy Jim. He was diagnosed at age 45 with Multiple Sclerosis and therefore took

an early medical retirement.

Jimmy wrote poetry, mostly to his wife, throughout their marriage. He loved fishing, camping, and going to bluegrass festivals. He loved the Lord and was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Jimmy's oldest daughter, Heather, was born in 1963. Then came Bricey in 1965. And finally, Melissa

in 1970. He and Melinda spent most of their married lives, raising their three girls, in Torrance, CA.

Then they retired for a while to Lake Isabella. Since then, they have been living with their daughters.

Jimmy passed away peacefully on June 19, 2021. We will all miss him.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Melinda Lou; his sister, Cheryl Satterfield; and his three daughters -

Heather Wallbrecht, Bricey Leathers (Kevin), and Melissa Leal.

He is also survived by 8 grandchildren – Jedadiah Wallbrecht (Sarah), Chelsea Barecky (Travis),

Shelby Wallbrecht, Nathanael Leathers (Elizabeth), Hannah McNulty (Kyle), Rachel Leathers,

Jaquelyn Lasater, Richard Leal and also 8 great grandchildren – Emily Kjenstad-Pence, Silas Lasater, Wesley Barecky, Carson Lasater, Maeve Wallbrecht, Jackson Barecky, Jordan Leathers, Caleb Leathers.

A visitation for James will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont, California 92223. A chapel service will occur Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 1177 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont, California 92223. A graveside service and military honors will occur Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 2:15 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California 94102.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weaver-mortuary.com for the Sammons family.