James "Sam" Samuel Hammond

James Samuel “Sam” Hammond passed away at home with his wife Lissa on December 3, 2024, after an arduous, courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Lissa and Sam were married fifteen years and their sweet German Sheperd Rosie was by his side. Sam dedicated his life to serving and protecting the citizens of Howard County Maryland for 41 years. Throughout the days and weeks leading up to his passing, Sam was surrounded by loving family, friends, and devoted caregivers Sam was foremost humble, kind, and practiced the highest standards of courtesy. 

Sam was born on October 7, 1954, in New Bern, North Carolina. He was the beloved only son of Anna Jean Lanier and James Samuel Hammond. He is survived by mother Anna Jean Lanier; wife Lissa Bounds Hammond; son Matthew Wilson Hammond, daughter Rachel Hammond Metaxotos, stepdaughter Carolyn Stolte Danaher, stepson Sean Ryan Danaher, step grandson Owen Edward Danaher, step granddaughter Nora Adele Danaher, stepdaughter Anna Stolte Cherry, and stepson Jesse Wayne Cherry. Sam is also survived by sister Jean Anne Robinson, Brother-in-law John Robinson, sister Elizabeth Laumann Watson, sister Anne Jenifer Antonious. Sadly, Sister Cynthia Hammond passed in April, 2023.

"Sam" was known as a talented Mt. Hebron athlete and excelled in many sports. He served 27 years in the Police Department, awarded twice for Valor & Bravery, and Police Officer of the Year. He served as the first K-9 drug dog handler in the County. His beloved K-9 partner "Max" served alongside him in the early days of the K-9 force in Howard County. In 2003, Sam served as an investigator in the Fugitive Warrant Unit in the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. During his tenure there, he also served in the Domestic Violence Unit and Judiciary Security among others. Highly accomplished in martial arts, Sam was a powerful and fierce opponent winning trophies and championships locally and in Okinawa Japan as a fourth-degree black belt. One of the highlights of his young life.

Above all, our Sam will be remembered as a loyal and compassionate friend, always there in times of trouble, our “gentle giant” still keeping the peace.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

The Thin Blue Line Benevolent Fund. Please make check out to “The Thin Blue Line Benevolent Fund" with notation in memo field “Sam Hammond." Send to: HCPROA, PO Box 2302, Ellicott City, MD 21042

-Or-

Lewy Body Dementia Association