James Sammons Jr.

James “JR” Sammons, a beloved husband, father, papaw, brother, and friend, passed away at UK St Claire on November 4, 2025, at the age of 70. He was born on August 24, 1955, in Mansfield, Ohio to the late James Lloyd Sammons and Avanell Nolan Sammons.

JR loved horses and could often be found riding his horse Blackie. He also loved old westerns and sports - he was an avid fan of UK basketball, the Reds and the Bengals, and never missed a game if he could help it. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, JR was preceded in death by one brother, Dennis William Sammons.

JR is survived by his wife of 31 years, Virginia; three sisters: Brenda Oney of Grayson, Kentucky, Patricia Hanshaw (Philip), and Rosalie Holbrook (Raymond), all of Olive Hill, Kentucky; three sons: Mick Sammons (Tami) and Clifford Landsaw (Krystal) both of Morehead, Kentucky, and Chris Gabbard (Chenelle) of Marion, Indiana; 7 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, along with many more family members and friends.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM -8:00 PM Friday, November 7, 2025, in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, with Bro. Mick Sammons officiating. Burial will take place at Shrout Cemetery at Owingsville, Kentucky immediately following the funeral service. Pallbearers are Clifford Landsaw, Terry Wills, Earl Sexton, Bobby Purvis, Randy Halbert, Philip Hanshaw, Raymond Holbrook. Honorary Pallbearers are Pud Rodgers, Caden Gabbard, Jacob Gabbard, James Gabbard, Edward Penick.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home is caring for all the arrangements for James Lloyd Sammons Jr.