James Edward Simmons

James Edward Simmons, 90, was born on January 30, 1925 to William and Anna (Tobin) Simmons in Brooklyn, New York. He served in the US Navy from February 1943 to February 1946 and spent most of WWII in the Pacific theater. After the war, he returned to New York earning his Bachelor’s degree from Pace University night school while working in the mailroom at Amax Corporation. He stayed with Amax for his entire career and retired in 1982 as the Vice President of International Sales. In 1958, he moved to Rockland County with his wife and two children, Leslie and James, and made his home in Spring Valley, NY. He loved to travel and saw much of the world from Japan to Cuba for business and spent his leisure time enjoying cruises with his family. In 1999, the first of his three grandchildren, Theo James was born. He was followed by Emily Tess and Chloe Jane and he doted on them and spoiled them every chance he could. He lived a long, full life on his own terms always with a quick comeback and the trademark Simmons humor. He is predeceased by his sisters Helen Simmons and Anne Dempsey and his brothers William Simmons and Joe Simmons. He is survived by his brother Thomas Simmons of Jamesville, NY, his children Leslie Simmons of Spring Valley and James Simmons of Congers, his three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 9th, from 2:00-4:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm at Higgins Funeral Home in New City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Congers, NY on Thursday, December 10th at 11:00am followed by a private cremation.