Sammy Joe Hawkins

Sammy Joe Hawkins went peacefully home to be with his Savior October 13, 2024. Sammy was born March 4, 1943 to Sam and Lenna Hawkins of Harrison, Arkansas. Even though the Hawkins family relocated to Jerome, Idaho, they made frequent trips back to Arkansas to visit family during Sammy’s younger years. Sammy was a storyteller and often shared fondly his adventures visiting the Ozark Mountain area. Sammy graduated from Jerome High School in 1961 and spent two years at trade school studying at Idaho State University. Sammy joined the National Guard and headed to Fort Ord for basic training in March of 1964. After basic training, he returned to Jerome, Idaho.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Sammy became a carpenter and builder. He set out on his own, launching his business in 1968. His attention to detail and friendly personality made him a favorite contractor in the Magic Valley and his business was soon built on word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers. He did everything from building entire homes to his favorite task of building custom cabinets. He took pride in his work and was always excited to point out homes and projects he and his father had completed during their careers.

Sammy Joe Hawkins met Laura Jean Myers and an inseparable relationship began. They were married May 10, 1969, at First Baptist Church in Jerome, Idaho. Sammy built the home in which they would spend the rest of their lives enjoying family. Their family eventually increased to four with the births of Gregory and Travis Hawkins.

Sammy loved spending time in the mountains and his favorite place was Idaho’s Big Lost River range. He enjoyed camping and fishing. Some of his family's fondest memories of him are from those camping trips with the high school friends he had always remained close to. He waded the streams and bushwhacked through the willows to fish. He was passionate about making sure his family got to experience the mountains on a regular basis.

Sammy was preceded in death by his mother, Lenna Hawkins; and father Sam Hawkins.

Sammy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Laura; his sons, Gregory (Sarah) Hawkins and Travis (Gwendolyn) Hawkins; and grandchildren, Dillon Hawkins, Decodah Hawkins, Gary Hawkins, Matthew Hawkins, and Emery Hawkins.

The Hawkins family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Heritage Home Health and Hospice for their friendly and gentle care of Sammy during his last weeks.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, November 4, 2024 at Jerome Cemetery, Jerome.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Sammy’s memorial webpage at www.farnworthmortuary.com.