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Jimmy Simmons Obituary


Longtime Seabreeze High School coach and teacher Jimmy Simmons, 89, died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Halifax Hospice Care Center, Port Orange. Born James Simmons in Dell, Arkansas, he received his master's degree from the University of Arkansas, where he was known as "The Arkansas Flash.' In 1949, he was named the collegiate wrestling champion for his weight category. After a stint in the Army, where he served as a corporal, he moved to this area from Blytheville, Arkansas, to begin a teaching and coaching career at both Seabreeze and Spruce Creek High schools. At Seabreeze, he taught math and served as the head track coach and assistant football coach under Coach Fred Hogan, moving to the top spot when Hogan retired. At Seabreeze, he served as the dean of boys, then went on to Spruce Creek to teach math as well as serving as football and golf coach. Under his coaching, he led the Seabreeze Sandcrabs football team to the state championship in 1960 and the track Team to the state title in 1963. He served as a camp counselor during the summers in Camp Chimney Rock, North Carolina, as well as Camp Deerwood. Many of his players from the Crabs' football team attended Camp Deerwood. Coach Simmons and his wife of 65 years, Sunny, had no children of their own but the thousands of students he coached and taught were their extended family. They joined graduates in many reunion activities as well as regular luncheons. He was a member and actively involved at the Community United Methodist Church, Daytona Beach, where he served as an usher, youth leader and assisted with parking during Bike Week events. Additional survivors include two sisters, Donna Dicicco and Marguerite Brownlee and a brother, Dr. Richard Simmons. He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Rettie Lee Simmons, and a brother, Bobby. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Community United Methodist Church, 616 Harvey Ave., Daytona Beach, with Pastors Gary Oates and Ken Zimmerman officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Halifax Hospice Care Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, 32129, or to the Community United Methodist Church, Daytona Beach, 32118. Alavon Cremation, South Daytona, is in charge.

Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Dec. 17, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sunny,
Mr. Simmons was a amazing man that I was so blessed to have in my life. He holds such a special place in my heart and the time I got to spend with both of you is so special to me XX Heaven has a very special angel now Xx Love you very much Mr.Simmons.
Michelle (Dumplin)

Michelle Smith

December 20, 2017

Coach Jim Simmons was the best math teacher I had from the beginning of my years at Seabreeze High School and so ethical that he set wonderful standards and behavior for all his students in every appropriate way! I am so glad that he has been a part of my and so many of my friends lives for decades since we first had the privilege of meeting him. We are also so fortunate to have his wonderful brilliant wife, Sunny, in our lives, too! They have been like our extra parents as long as we have known, respected, loved, and enjoyed them in our lives in everyway possible!!! And we are all so happy that they attended the Seabreeze High School graduates lunch gatherings regularly.

I am so grateful that before he left the planet to go to heaven that I got to visit him twice at the Hospice Care Center while in homeland to remind him of how special he was in everyway for all of us and how proud we are of all he and Sunny achieved for all of us in both of their wonderful educational careers and more!!!

Diane Stephen Brown

December 19, 2017

Coach, You were an amazing coaching mentor to me and an even better friend. Thank you for everything you did for the students of Vol. Co. and the countless lives you impacted. Bless you and Sunny both. RIP Jimmy.

Barney Markham

December 19, 2017

Sunny, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and mentor. I still remember the times in MYF and the times you and I chased the track team to meets. My thoughts are with you.

Charlotte Straub Styles

December 18, 2017

Dear Sunny, Our deepest sympathy and loving care to you at the loss of your loving husband, great coach and our friend, Hal and Barbara Marks

Hal and Barbara Marks

December 18, 2017

I will miss you. There are no words to express my sorrow but I will focus on all of your goodness which is beyond description. :(

Cheryl DeLaughter Downes

December 18, 2017

Sunny, John and my condolences. Coach Simmons was a giant. He helped mold a lot of us. He is one reason I joined the USAF and retired from there. Also coached youth sports and became a teacher. Thanks coach for your influence and Rest in Peace.

Ben Geller

December 18, 2017

He was a fantastic coach and a wonderful gentleman!!!

Stanton Alexander

December 17, 2017

No better friend can be found...Rest easy Jimmy...God Bless...

Grandle Starling

December 17, 2017

Sunny must know he has not gone away, for those of us who knew him carry a little bit of Coach inside.

Gerry Williams

December 17, 2017

Jim and his wife, Sunny, have given so much love to so many of us. They are both truly servants!

Tommy and Marty Mitchell

December 17, 2017

Celebrating the man you always were!

Amy Ruland

December 17, 2017

I am privileged to have known Jimmy. Cruised with him and Sunny several years. Great memories.RIP Jimmy.

Sandra Ross

December 17, 2017

Great math teacher! Remember him well. Sorry for your loss.

Scott Cichon

December 17, 2017

Coach Simmons was truly a GIANT among men. He was a mentor and role model to three generations of high school students, teaching and coaching at Cross Creek, Seabreeze, and Spruce Creek High Schools. I have been blessed to have known him as a teacher (at Seabreeze), colleague (at Spruce Creek), and, most especially, as a Dear Friend. R.I.P. Coach.

Charlie Cabiac

December 17, 2017

Coach touched the lives of thousands of his students and all of his players. I'm grateful I had the chance to be in his classes and to play for him. We all mourn his loss and pray for Sonny. RIP
Billy Bass Augusta, GA

Billy Bass

December 17, 2017

Rest in Peace Mr. Simmons. You had the perfect combination of intelligence, no nonsense, humor and wit that made you great teacher, thank you.

Dave Robbins

December 17, 2017

May his memory be eternal.
Tony Melachrino

December 17, 2017

A great coach and an even greater individual. He will be sorely missed!

Jay Laing

December 17, 2017

A great coach and person. Always ready to arm wrestle with that Arkansas pump. I will Miss sitting at the Thursday lunch table with him. Class of 63

Jim Cook

December 17, 2017

God Speed Coach!

Jamie Hogan

December 17, 2017

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Memorial Events
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19

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Community United Methodist Church

616 Harvey Ave, Daytona Beach, FL

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