James Edwin Simmons, Jr. passed away early Monday morning, January 31st. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home. Services will take place on Monday, February 7, at 10:00 AM at Oakwood Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Robertson Simmons of Lubbock; four children: Jennifer and husband, Bill, Hughes and Jay and wife, Jen Simmons, all of St. Louis, MO, and Amy Simmons and Zachary Simmons, both of Lubbock; two sisters: Jo Rae Crofton and Sue Guest, both of Houston; five grandchildren: Forrest, Hunter, and Janie Hughes and Story and Annie Simmons; and his step-mother, Helen Simmons of Houston.
“Jimbo” was born February 7, 1940, in Memphis, TN to James Edwin Simmons and Carrie Steele Littlejohn Simmons. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1958 and was a member of the National Thespian Society & National Forensic League. He was also voted “most handsome” throughout high school. He went on to the University of Texas where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1962. He then continued his education at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he was awarded a Master of Divinity Degree in 1966.
In 1960, he married Ann Wyatt and they had two children, Jennifer Ruth and Jay David. Jimbo pastored Clear Lake Presbyterian Church from 1969 to 1974, where he influenced his congregation and his youth group through his music and teachings. Just last year, he was able to reconnect with many of the youth he inspired so many years ago. After leaving Clear Lake in 1974, he went on to preach at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas where he continued his ministry.
In 1984, he married Sharon Robertson and they had two children, Amy Cherie and Zachary Edwin. Throughout the rest of his life, he had many other careers, including his own landscaping company, the restaurant business, and bookkeeping.
Jimbo loved music – playing the guitar, listening to John Denver, or performing in musicals. He also loved the mountains and was proud of the time he climbed Longs Peak. He adored his children and was so proud of each and every one of them. He was always there for them and had a great relationship with each of them. Growing up, he always talked about going fishing with “Uncle Dave”. You could usually catch him on a weekend cooking out steaks.
He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to the South City Church, St. Louis (www.southcitychurch.com) or the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18