James E. Simmermon

James Everett Simmermon Obituary

On November 18, 2025, James Everett Simmermon passed away peacefully in his sleep, just four months shy of his 100th birthday. He was born in Arnold Pennsylvania on March 23, 1926.

Jim was the beloved son of the late Joseph Carl and Melba McGeary Simmermon. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lois Jane Bowden Simmermon. Together, they raised five children: son James K. (Karen) of Allegheny Township; son Thomas (Patricia) of Cranberry Township; son John of Phoenix, AZ; daughter Lisa of Fredericksburg, VA; and son William of Denver, CO. He was a loving grandfather to Elise Riggle, Anne Hunte (Haslyn), Natalie Porter (Joe Hermes), Zack, Blake, Denver, and Vanessa Valderrama, and great grandfather to Trey, Nathan, Donovan, Ashton, and Nash.

Upon graduating from Arnold High School, Jim enlisted in the US Navy in June 1944 and served until July 1946. After serving his country during WWII, he enrolled at Ashland College and graduated in just three years in 1949. He later served on Ashland's Board of Trustees for many years and was chosen as their Alumnus of the Year in 2019.

Jim started and acquired many business ventures, including the Credit Bureau of New Kensington – Arnold and was President of The Credit Bureau Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was also the chairman of three telephone answering services located in Western Pennsylvania. The business continued to grow with offices in three states. It later became known as Collection Service Center and is still being operated by family today. Jim was an active member of the Associated Credit Bureaus of America - a national trade association located in Houston, Texas. He served as chairman of their board of directors in 1972-73 and later was awarded the Hall of Fame award, its highest honor.

Two other business ventures were very significant. William Price from Columbus, Ohio and Jim purchased credit bureaus in Manchester, New Hampshire and Burlington, Vermont. This proved to be a very successful venture. Also, George Whittam and Jim started a new company called the Credit Bureau Sales Promotion Group. They were particularly active in New England, as Boston was the center of the company's growth. Both Bill and George also became very close friends with Jim.

Rotary International played an important role in Jim's life where he was an active member for more than 74 years. During his nearly 75 years of perfect attendance, he attended Rotary meetings in 22 countries worldwide. He served as President of the New Kensington Rotary Club. Presently, he belonged to the Oakmont-Verona Rotary Club where he twice served as their president. He loved to frequently attend meetings at the Fox Chapel Rotary Club and was awarded their honorary member distinction on July 1, 2022. He served Rotary as a District Governor in 1982-83. Jim was also a past president of the New Kensington Chamber of Commerce.

In 1953, Jim and Lois joined Hill Crest Country Club in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania. In 1972, they joined Oakmont Country Club, making many close friends there. On October 1, 2022, he was made a Life Member of this prestigious club. He was also a member of the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh and The Union Club in Victoria, British Columbia for many years. For more than 60 years, Jim was member of several masonic lodges - Tyrian Lodge, Pollock Lodge in Tarentum, Shrine Temple in Cheswick, and a number of Scottish Rite Chapters in Pittsburgh.

Jim served on the board of Citizens General Hospital for many years. He was past chairman of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Western Pennsylvania and served on the advisory board of Integra Bank's New Kensington branch.

The spiritual side of Jim's life was extremely important to him. Jim, Lois, and their family attended church regularly through the years. Jim and Lois were extremely committed to their church through their time and service. They also traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states, more than 60 countries, and all seven continents. Jim and Lois enjoyed a second honeymoon with a trip around the world.

For the past 20 years Jim has resided at Longwood at Oakmont where Lois made it their home until her passing in December 2017. Community involvement to Jim was a hallmark of his life at Longwood as he served on numerous committees and was very active with the spiritual life committee and the men's fitness group. Jim also served on the board of the Presbyterian Senior Care Foundation. Jim and Lois made many friends at Longwood. "There are friends, there are family, and there are friends that become family."

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the care providers at Longwood and Heartland Hospice for the compassionate support they provided on a daily basis. Jim was so grateful for everything they did to make him as comfortable as possible.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Faith United Methodist Church Fox Chapel or the Alzheimer's Association. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 29th at 1:00 PM at Faith United Methodist Church in Fox Chapel. Visitation with family and friends will follow immediately there with food and refreshments. A Celebration of Life will be held early in 2026. Arrangements entrusted to English Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 378 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139.