Samuel James Lookadoo, IV entered eternal rest in the twilight of early dawn on Monday, March 9, 2026, when he was called into eternity by Almighty God.

The book of James 4:14 teaches a very practical principle: “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”

Samuel James Lookadoo III and Charie Leneace Ross-Lookadoo welcomed their baby boy, Samuel James Lookadoo IV, into the world on Friday, September 5, 1980.

Affectionately known as “James” by his family and “Champ” by his father, he lived throughout the United States during his childhood due to his father’s military service in the United States Navy. During his father’s final tour of duty stationed at Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, James attended and later graduated from Duncan U. Fletcher High School as a proud member of the Class of 1999.

James Lookadoo, IV met Dionne Butler in the band room at Oliver Perry Walker High School in Algiers, New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1995. Though their paths went separate ways, they were reunited in 2022 after 25 years and rekindled their friendship. Their renewed connection quickly blossomed into an undeniable love, and they were united in holy matrimony on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Though their marriage was brief, the depth and intensity of their love were evident to all who knew them. Dionne and James knew they had found their soulmates.

Throughout his life, James worked in various capacities. No job was ever too big or too small for “Champ,” as he believed in working hard to provide for his family. As II Thessalonians 3:10 reminds us: “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” James lived by this principle throughout his life. At the time of his passing, he was employed with NexTier Oilfield Solutions as a Driving Oil Field Supervisor.

James was the life of every social function and family gathering. His infectious laughter could always be heard above the crowd. He loved deeply and without partiality, showing unwavering loyalty and devotion to both family and friends. He greatly admired his father and often sought to emulate him, a reflection seen in his natural charisma and spirit. Above all, James treasured his wife and family, holding them as the most valuable blessings in his life.

His loss is deeply felt by many, and his memory will forever remain etched in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him. His hobbies included: fishing, riding motorcycles, racing and building remote-control cars, and collecting small arms.

Samuel, IV was preceded in eternal rest by his paternal great grandfather, Samuel Lookadoo, Sr.; paternal great grandmother, Annie Johnson; maternal great grandmother, Maybell Glass-Tomblin; paternal grandparents, Samuel Lookadoo, II and Mary Lee Lookadoo; maternal grandfather, Ervin Ross, Sr.

Samuel James Lookadoo, IV leaves to cherish his loving memory: his beloved wife, Dionne Richelle Lookadoo; parents, Samuel James Lookadoo, III and Charie Leneace Lookadoo; children, Samuel James Lookadoo V, Malachi Josiah Lookadoo, Jeremiah Deonte Lookadoo, Elijah Dewayne Lookadoo, Charie Dion Lookadoo, Joshua Kingsley Lookadoo; siblings, Erica (Kofi) Aganyi, Matisha (Jeffery) Andrews; maternal grandmother, Lillie Freeman; nieces and nephews, Zion Buckner, Savion Buckner, Jaquay Buckner, Setri Aganyi, Deladem Aganyi, Mazi Aganyi, Sarron Bradshaw, Alexandria Andrews, and Jediyah Andrews; godsister, LaQuisha Doby; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Visitation of family and friends will be held 1-2 p.m., with a Celebration of Samuel’s life commencing at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 21, at The Lord’s Temple City of Refuge, 140 Gilmore St, Hastings. Bishop Thomas Cave, III, Pastor and eulogist. Interment: Palatka Memorial Gardens, 4070 Silver Lake Dr, Palatka.