Jeff Simes

Jeff Simes, 71, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on October 8, 2025. He was born on December 6, 1953, in Ashtabula, Ohio, and moved to Punta Gorda with his family before his first birthday, a place he proudly called home for the rest of his life.

Jeff graduated from Charlotte High School in 1972 and, the following year, married the love of his life, Sharon. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three daughters — Tracy, Tammy, and Misty — who were the pride and joy of his world.

A hardworking and self-made man, Jeff owned and operated his own construction company for more than four decades. His craftsmanship and dedication left a lasting mark on Charlotte County — there are few streets you can drive down where Jeff didn’t help build something lasting, whether it was a family home or a local business. His legacy is quite literally built into the foundation of the community he loved.

Outside of work, Jeff found peace and joy on the water. He was an avid fisherman who spent countless mornings and evenings watching the sun rise and set over Lake Okeechobee or the bay, always with a rod in hand. He competed in bass, crappie, snook, and redfish tournaments over the years — and it was well known among local anglers that if Jeff showed up at the boat ramp, the competition just got a whole lot tougher. But more than winning, he loved teaching others. He passed on his passion for fishing to his daughters and grandchildren, patiently showing them not just how to catch fish, but how to appreciate the quiet beauty of time spent on the water.

Jeff loved life, and above all else, he loved his family. Being a husband, dad, and Pop was the greatest joy of his life. His presence was steady, his laughter contagious, and his love unwavering. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and deep roots — not only in the buildings he constructed, but in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Carolyn Simes. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Sharon; his three loving daughters, Tracy (Eric Frank) and Tammy (Larry Crow), both of Punta Gorda, and Misty (David Walker) of Tennessee. Jeff was a proud Pop to Ashleigh Frank, Jeffrey Crow, and Lilly and Olivia Walker. He also leaves behind his brother Randy and sister Connie, along with extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

We will be holding a Celebration of Life for Jeff on October 25th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Life Celebration Center of Punta Gorda:

1515 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Though truthfully, there aren’t enough days in this world to properly celebrate the incredible man he was.