Our champion Sammie James Rodgers, was born on May 28, 1930 and called home on December 20, 2017. Mr. Rodgers was raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan and moved to the Lansing area to further his education at Michigan State University (Class of 1971). He served his country during the Korean War.

His reach in life extended far outside of the boxing ring into the hearts of everyone he met. Sammie was a deacon and an active member of the Union Missionary Baptist Church. He was very loyal to his faith.

His life was full of loving family. He leaves behind his sons, Ivan (Diane) Rodgers, Ervan (Marjorie) Rodgers, Sammie (Mary Ann) Rodgers Jr., Courtney Rodgers, his daughters Monica Jones and Alexandria Rodgers, and 2 of his 9 siblings Mack (Lillian) Rodgers and Eva Nell Cannon. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.