James Lee Simmons

James L Simmons, 90, Williamsburg, left his earthly body on the morning of Tuesday, October 5, 2021, joining his youngest son, Stephan, to be with their Heavenly Father. Born in South Dakota, and an Air Force veteran, he would come to settle in Williamsburg after being stationed at Langley Field. It was here that he would build his life with his beloved wife and their three children, establishing and running his well-drilling business of many decades. James, known to family and friends simply as Jim or Jimmy, loved tinkering with and fixing things, enjoying the outdoors every moment he could. He loved to stay informed, and was always a fan of the TV show, M*A*S*H*. He loved his coffee and cigarettes, as well as having his 5 o’clock beer with friends. He was adored by everyone who knew him, his sly sense of humor never leaving him and always leaving everyone with a smile. Jim(my) loved looking at the stars and maps, and was always one to travel the back roads whilst keeping a keen eye on the weather. Children naturally gravitated towards him and his sly smile was always lit up with just the right touch of ornery fun. He loved making something out of nothing, and was always deeply devoted to his family. Jim(my) was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joe and Frances (Gaza) Simmons; his brothers, Duane and Donald; his sister, Ilene; and his beloved son, Stephan L Simmons. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Marlene Lantz Simmons, his son Michael Simmons (Nancy), and daughter, D’Onna Simmons. He is also survived by his grandchildren Heather Manalo (Jeremy) and Jake Bynum. Additional survivors include his great-grandchildren, Heather’s twins, Eli and Asher Manalo; his brother, Clifford Simmons; sister, Joan (Simmons) Thorson; and in addition to numerous nieces and nephews and various other relatives and in-laws. Services will be held Tuesday, October 12th, 2021, at 1:30PM at King of Glory Memorial Garden, 4897 Long Hill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23188. A fellowship will follow the service. Interment will be in the Memorial Garden at King of Glory Lutheran Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Simmons family.