James Jerome Simmons

James ‘Jim’ Jerome Simmons, 90, of Sun City, AZ passed away Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Banner Hospice after a long struggle with leukemia. Jim was born March 20, 1926 in Warren, Ohio to Jerome and Wilma Simmons. He grew up with two brothers, Philip and David. In 1944, Jim joined the U.S. Navy and served for two years during WW II. He was proud of his service and having spent time on the USS California (BB-44). Jim married his first wife Lucille Gosser in 1945 and together they had two daughters. He married his second wife Eleanor (Mitzi) Warrender in 1955. Jim worked for Goodyear Aerospace for 35 years. He enjoyed many hobbies including downhill skiing, sailing, hiking and tennis. One of Jim’s most notable quotations was “No, I’m ‘NOT’ Sean Connery”, as he was commonly mistaken for the actor in earlier years. Jim is survived by his daughters, Connie Neel (Harry) and Becky Pinegar (Bill); grandchildren, Ian (Robin) Pinegar, Erin Pinegar, Corie (Darin) Miller; great grandchildren, Christopher J. Neel, Nolan Pinegar, Aidan Miller and Audrey Miller and his special partner Eleanor Ralph. He is preceeded in death by brother David Simmons, wife Mitzi Simmons and grandson Christopher W. Neel. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am on Monday, September 26, 2016 at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.