John "Jeff" Simmons

John Floyd Simmons died April 22, 2016 in San Antonio. A native of Scottsville, Virginia, he was known as “Jeff” to his friends and neighbors, and was known for having lived a colorful, interesting and storied life, one that brought him to the depths of the world’s oceans and the heights of the country music world in Nashville, but ultimately saw him make a home and raise five children.

Born Aug. 1, 1932 to Charles and Lelia Simmons, Jeff was many things to many people. He was a submariner, teacher, country music performer, master electrician, business owner, radio disc jockey, electrical inspector, and a founding member of the Star Canyon Band. He had diverse interests and hobbies, but nothing gave him more joy than sharing his gift for music whether he was playing with a few friends or performing before thousands.

Jeff was best known for his music, his laughter, his generosity, his intensity, his quick wit and his ability to laugh at himself. His closest friends and family also knew that he endured much adversity with grace, acceptance, and a rare strength of spirit. He was a man of quiet faith – one who lived it rather than talked about it. He believed in doing what was right instead of what was easy and he lived his life according to the values he treasured most: honor, loyalty, and integrity.

Although he lived a very rich and full life highlighted with extraordinary experiences, Jeff never considered his life remarkable in any way and would have preferred to be remembered only as a good man, a devoted husband, proud father, and true friend.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles Simmons and Jim Simmons. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Mary Therese Simmons of San Antonio; a sister, Barbara Jean Markovich of Silverdale, Washington; his children, Kathleen Furman and her husband, David Foster, of Houston; John Simmons and his wife, Kathy, of San Antonio; Patricia Aguirre of San Antonio; Gail Donnelly of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Ken Simmons of Oceanside, California. He leaves six grandchildren, Madeleine, Kerry, Adrienne, Daniel, Joshua and Aaron; one great-grandchild, Luke, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at a later date with Navy military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to City Church, 9355 Bandera Rd Suite 124 SATX 78250, Attn: Melissa (Please indicate checks in memory of Jeff Simmons), or Gold Ribbon Rescue, www.grr-tx.com or Soldiers Angels, www.soldiersangels.org. To reference City Church-Happy Feet, please go to www.brcc.net/socialaction for information.