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Jerry Dale Simmons

1938 - 2014

BORN

1938

DIED

2014

Jerry Simmons Obituary

JERRY DALE SIMMONS Jerry Dale Simmons of Pacific Grove, California, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2014 after a battle with cancer. Throughout his fight, he maintained his playfulness, positive spirit, dignity, and strength. In his final days, he was surrounded by his family and friends. He was 76 years old. Jerry was born on October 15, 1938 in South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from Riley High School in South Bend in 1957. He joined the United States Air Force and was trained as an Air Traffic Controller. Jerry earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Counseling from CSU, Sacramento. He spent most of his career working in Education, specifically for the Chico Unified School District and Butte County Office of Education. He lived in Chico, California for 20 years before retiring in 1996 to Pacific Grove, California-one of his favorite places. Jerry leaves behind his son, Scott Simmons of Portland, Oregon; another son, Jeff Simmons and his wife, Sara, of Winters, California; and two grandchildren. Jerry Simmons was truly one-of-a-kind! He was a huge fan of Notre Dame football, the San Francisco 49ers, and the San Francisco Giants. He had an impressive green thumb and was a talented runner. His incredible generosity, awesome sense of humor, and ability to connect with people are what we will remember most about him. We love and miss you Grandpa Jerry, Big Red, Pope Jerome, 18th Street Mayor, Leprechaun. Jerry did not want an organized memorial, but would have loved for anyone who knew him to raise a glass and toast to a life well lived. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to Diabetes Youth Families at dyf.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chico Enterprise-Record on Jan. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Simmons

24 Entries

Amy Arthur Jackman

September 21, 2015

I am so heartbroken to hear the news of Jerry's passing. He was the best neighbor, friend and father figure anyone could have. He was such a delight, always there for you and celebrating life. His great sense of humor as the 18th street mayor, as we all knew him will always be in mind. I miss you Jerry, your smiling face will always be in my heart-thanks for everything.

Vikki (Dodds) Reiter

January 11, 2015

Jerry and family were our neighbors in the 70 ' s, our children part of the neighborhood menagerie. He will be remembered with fondness and admiration. Love and thoughts to all.

Christine Olson

January 11, 2015

Jerry was my boss in Esparto and a great friend for years afterward. His sense of humor got all of us through some tough times and he will not be forgotten.

jerry mcguire

January 9, 2015

Always enjoyed our friendship and our time working together. Jerry cared about all his students and wanted them to be successful in life. Thanks for all you did for our young people. Going to miss your laugh and smile.

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Bernard and Jeanine Hietpas

January 9, 2015

Jerry was a good neighbor and a good friend who provided consultation and consolation to our daughters on many occasions. He never forgot his friends, and we believe his frineds will never forget him.

Jerry and Son Scott September 2014

Rebecca Price

January 8, 2015

MAHLON CHRISTENSEN

January 8, 2015

Jerry, you were many things to me, friend, mentor counselor, confidant, leprechaun, kindred spirit and most importantly partner in crime. You taught me how to work hard, but play harder. You taught me how to earn respect and lead by example. Your sense of humor and enthusiasm for life will live on in everyone who you touched. It was a real pressure...I mean pleasure knowing you :)

Nancy Gonzalez

January 7, 2015

What words can describe the person who had the most faith in me at Esparto High School in the 70's. He went with me to several scholarship interviews and college visits, which were successful because of his insight and guidance. The most memorable story he shared with me was about one of the first dinners he had with Judy. Fresh from the Midwest, they went to dinner in San Francisco, she had ordered an artichoke and not wanting to show his vegetable challenge-ness he ordered one too. When it arrived he didn't know what to do with it and didn't want to look foolish, so he just started eating the leaves whole. Judy couldn't contain herself any longer so she had to stop him and show him how to eat it properly. So 40 years later, I hope I remembered all those details right!!! I'm so thankful he was in my life.

Barbara Allen

January 6, 2015

Jerry was small in stature and huge in heart and soul. The entire 18th Street neighborhood was the recipient of his wide generosity. From the gestures of a smile and encouragement, to favors, to meals, to wine on the porch to rides, to cottage supervision, to garbage detail, to always wise counsel and advice, he was consistently and constantly available to meet every need for each of us. Whenever I wonder what to do in a sticky situation, I think “what would Jerry advise?” I cannot watch a football game without a little of the Simmons optimism – holding out hope that my team will come through in the end.

We all endeavored in some small way to thank the 18th Street Mayor, His Holiness the Pope Jerome. His latest moniker, “Pope Jerome” was perhaps the most apt. I trust and hope that he sensed how much he was admired, revered and loved – and perhaps this combined with his immense love for his family gave him the strength to fight so long and hard against his disease.
Each of us is a better person for having known him.
Love and sympathy to his family and friends.

Marie DeKnikker

January 6, 2015

Jerry was a genuine person ready to help when needed, at the time,I lived at Capay. I shall always remember him with the fondest of memories.
God bless his family!
Love and hugs,Marie DeKnikker

deborah bilbrey

January 6, 2015

So sad hear about you mr Simmons you will aways be in my heart of good memories at school as an great teacher and friendly happy man my condolences to your family you are going be very much missed you are an angel in heaven watching us all

January 6, 2015

You were a favorite at Esparto High! Marie White Pate. Class of 74

Kate McAnaney

January 6, 2015

We met the amazing Jerry through our son Mahlon, and had the privilege and pleasure of becoming friends. We will never forget his smile and that Jerry sense of humor and playfulness. This guy will be so missed. Our condolences to the whole family. What a loss.

January 6, 2015

I was so sad to see that Jerry had passed away - he was a unique individual that helped so many students in Butte County and then went to Pacific Grove where he also left a mark. Jerry and my husband Denny would get together give one another such a bad time and they both enjoyed every minute of it. We all had a lot of laughs together in Chico and when we visited in Pacific Grove. My condolences to the family. Sue Bruce

Jerry in his cubby hole at work

Helene Kirschbaum

January 6, 2015

I knew Jerry in his later years, when he had already "retired". I put that in quotes because I don't know if Jerry ever truly retired. I worked with him, scoring papers and "schlepping" boxes at CTB/McGraw Hill. I know he also worked at the wharf, making sure people parked where they were supposed to and also providing security. I had never seen someone with as much energy as Jerry! His not wanting recognition or any kind of public service is quite like him. Jerry, I'll miss you!

To Jerry from his South Bend Clan... Pizza and beer

Larry Catanzarite

January 6, 2015

A great man who loved life. He was a best friend to my daughter. I will always be grateful for his wonderful kindness. One of the very best. He is loved and missed so much.
Diana Cumberland

January 6, 2015

My condlences to the Family, you were a rock for a lot of kids, I know you touched and changed the lives of many of us that went to Esparto High, thank you Mr. S

Anne Tadlock

January 6, 2015

I was very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I was his secretary when he was at Esparto in the 70's and really enjoyed working with him. He was a great guy and was respected by the students and teachers. Condolences to his family.

Tim Errington

January 6, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

January 6, 2015

Had him as a counseler at Esparto High in the 70's. One of a kind, no nonsense type of guy. My heart goes out to his family. You are truly missed.

Roberta (Kelley) Martin

January 6, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the family.
When Jerry was just starting his career in education in the early 70's he was the counselor at my high school in Esparto, CA.
He literally changed my life. Truly. I would not have had the opportunities, or life I led, if not for this man.
Thank you, Mr. Simmons. RIP

Alberta Simic

January 6, 2015

As a counselor at Chico High School, I loved working with Jerry. His no nonsense approach and flat out honesty helped to change the lives of many at risk kids. He was respectful yet firm and didn't beat around the bush. Jerry was one of the best.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

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