Search by Name

Search by Name

James Simmons Obituary

SIMMONS James Francis Simmons, age 54 of Stratford, beloved friend to all who knew and worked with him, left this life suddenly Thursday, June 26, 2008. James will be remembered for his love the Arts, Broadway Concerts and superb culinary cooking, but most of all he will be remembered for his heart and soul which he gave freely. James is loved and will be terribly missed. He was a chef manager for the Culinary Arts of Plainview, N.Y. and a Vietnam War Army veteran. James is survived by his two brothers, David Oliver Simmons of Trumbull and John Simmons and his wife, Claudia of Conroe, Texas; sister, Mary Simmons Rottblatt and her husband Michael of Redding; dedicated and beloved uncle to David Rottblatt, Michael, Joseph, Lisa and Daniel Simmons, Amanda Cano, Heather and Michael Simmons; great uncle to Emma Simmons, Kiely Cano; uncle and godfather to Brandon Rottblatt; and several cousins of the Eisenman family. James was also predeceased by his parents, Francis and Ruth Eisenman Simmons and brother, Mark Oliver Simmons. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in St. James Church, 2070 Main Street, Stratford. The Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford was entrusted with funeral arrangements. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Those who so desire, may contribute to, Sphere Inc., P.O. Box 1136, Ridgefield, CT 06877 or to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492 To light a virtual candle, please visit us at www.galellofuneralhome.com

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

Published by Connecticut Post from Jun. 27 to Jun. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Simmons

Not sure what to say?





David Junga

June 30, 2008

Dear David , John, and Mary;
I am very sorry to hear of your brother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

jeffrey Hughes

June 29, 2008

To the Simmons Family ... my thoughts and prayers are with you ...

Doris Gasecki Diaz

June 28, 2008

I only met Jim recently when he took over the cafeteria duties at TRUMPF. I was very lucky to have him sit near me in the office. Every morning he would always greet me and we would spend a few minutes talking. He was truly a wonderful man and will me greatly missed. May God have him in his safe keeping.

Celeste Bilyard

June 27, 2008

Dear Mary and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your Jimmy. I had seen him a few times with my husband Peter when Jim was catering antique shows we attended. It was a pleasure to see him and share news of our families. I will remember him as a kind and gentle man.
Much love and sympathy,
(Lesti Loxsom)

Suzanne Carley

June 27, 2008

To the Simmons Family,

I'm so sorry to learn of your sudden loss of your brother Jimmy. Although I didn't know him as an adult as my family did, I certainly remember him as a young boy. I know he'll be missed by you all, and so many.

The friendship of your family to ours has been a gift in our lives - beginning with our Moms, Millie and Ruth on Vine Street - that has lasted more than 50 years. Part of our family lore is the story of "Billy and Johnny" playing "plumbers in the dirt." I remember David organizing kickball games in the neighborhood, and of course Pam and Mary Ruth's long friendship.

Bless you all, and may the love of friends and family, and happy memories of Jim ease the hard parts in the time ahead.

Warm Wishes to All
Suzanne Loxsom Carley and husband Jay Carley

John Loxsom

June 27, 2008

Mary and John,

Chris and I send our love and condolences. We are so sorry for for loss. What a flood of happy memories though at the mention of Jimmy's name-- basketball at St. James, sledding at Academy Hill, Center School, Broad Street-- and the special friendship he had with our sister Jennifer.

Love,

John and Chris Loxsom

Jimmy Amiot

June 27, 2008

My prayers and condolences are with the Simmons family.I grew up and went to school right up to graduation with Jimmy and will always remember his kindheartedness.

Pamela McEachern

June 27, 2008

Dear Mary: The last I saw you was at my mom's funeral. Jimmy was with you. What a great visit we had at that time. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how precious your Jimmy was to you all. I know because my brothers are precious to me as well. Our family's are connected by our mother's wonderful friendship. I thank God for you - that you were my very first friend. There is always time to rekindle our friendship too. Let's be sure this time to figure out a get-together-plan. My son's H. S. graduation is on the 28th in the AM - I will have to see you sometime after. I apologize for not being able to be with you at the funeral home. We will talk soon. My deepest condolences go out to you at this time. [(P.S.): My husband's brother, Ward McEachern, just died on the 22nd of June. He was the same age as Jimmy. I heard about Jimmy at his funeral, yesterday, from Billy.] Love to you and to John. Hey Mary, do you want a tomato? Pam Loxsom McEachern

William Loxsom

June 27, 2008

As a child growing up, I spent so much time over at the Simmons house, that it seemed like a second home. I remember Jim like another younger brother. He used to frequently visit my mom to cheer her up when she was alone after the passing of my dad. He was a kind and thoughtful man that will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in James Simmons's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for James Simmons

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Simmons's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more