Dr. John L. Simmons

Johnny and I used to go out on Lake Decatur when we were young boys in grammar school. He had a boat with an outboard motor on it. I remember his mother, Betty very well and his father who ran their lumber company.

What a wonderful educator and kind man. I shall cherish all the days I worked with John at Strategic Learning Initiative!

What an amazing, sensitive, brilliant educator. He made such an impact on sooo many children and adults!

Oh my ! What a life of service! We met on the train from Chicago to Boston in 1955. After a great trip to Nassau with his parents in 1956 our paths crossed for years until we lost track of each other. His brilliance and his service doesn't surprise me a bit. In the end though it was his friendship at a time when we both struggled that made all the difference. God speed to Adele and your family. Together you each made the world better all these years. Love, Bob

My deepest condolences to Adele and the family. I only learned of John's passing today. I played mixed doubles tennis with John for 10 years at Midtown. We had a good group and a lot of fun. I knew of his work with SLI, but didn't know of the breadth of his life's work. He was an impressive man, and will be missed. Please let me know if a memorial service is planned.

The memory of John's engaging smile still makes me smile and inspired by his contagious energy. Our year (1994) working closely together to help improve the leadership skills of business leaders in Kazakhstan transformed the lives of many along with my life. I will miss him greatly. Deepest sympathies and love to Adele and the Simmons family.

It was an honor to work for and with such a brilliant and kind man. I will miss his spirit and dedication to education.