Samuel Ramirez Jr.

Samuel “Sam” Lupe Ramirez Jr., loving husband, father of three beautiful children, and beloved coach, passed away on June 27, 2020 at the age of 47.

Sam was born on September 2, 1972, in Kansas City, MO to Samuel Sr. and Alicia Mata-Ramirez. As a boy he was involved in the Boys Club through Whatsoever Community Center, where he developed a love for all sports. He graduated from East High School in 1990, lettering in football and basketball, and in 1994 he married the love of his life, Josette Chavez. Shortly after that, he went on to receive his B.S. in Management and Marketing at Park University and spent the next 25 years working in the financial services sector.

Sam developed his love for the game of softball while coaching his daughter’s competitive fastpitch team. He was one of the original founders of Top Gun Academy, an organization that specializes in helping girls play at the collegiate level.  He was extremely proud of his children and loved their individual passions and accomplishments.  He enjoyed coaching Alyssa and her team to many victories on and off the field. He loved attending church with Mia, taking trips to Barnes and Noble, eating breakfast at First Watch, and listening to R5 songs together. He helped coach his son Sammy’s baseball and basketball teams, and they loved golfing and fishing together. Sam believed that sports are an essential factor in raising successful young men and women.

If you knew Sam, you’ll always remember his big, shining smile. With his positive outlook on life and his glass-half-full attitude, he always saw the best in people, and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He was a man of amazing character, with a heart bigger than his smile. Sam had a major impact on so many people and was a great example of how we should all try to be.

Sam will be greatly missed by his parents; his loving wife, Josette; his children, Alyssa, Mia, and Sammy III; his brother, Santos (Kerry) Ramirez; his nephews, Diego and Gabriel; his sister, Patricia (Shawn) McMullen; and countless extended family members and friends.

Services will be held at Vineyard Church (North Campus) on Thurs, July 2 with a visitation from 4 PM to 6 PM, followed by the funeral service.