James "Jim" Simons

James "Jim" W. Simons, 93, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Brewster Place Rehab Center.
Jim was born on September 10, 1931, in Manhattan, Kansas to Elizabeth (Hohn) and Walter Simons. He is also predeceased by brothers, Bob and Bud Simons, and sisters, Katie Morris, Peggy Heptig, Alice Bauer, Annie Mayer, Jessie Russell, and Eleanor Slusser.
Jim is survived by his wife Rosemary (Werner), Topeka. Jim and Rosemary were married November 8, 1958, in Newbury, KS. They had two daughters, Amy (Matt) Jennings and Christy (Jay) Roach. He was also preceded in death by Christy and step-grandchild Sarah Roach. Survivors include sister-in-law, Lorraine Werner; three grandchildren, Abby (Andrew) Faerber, Mitchell (Emma) Jennings, and Molly (Chris) Heady; two step-grandchildren, Hillary Roach, and Drew (Emily) Roach; five great granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim lived his life in northeast Kansas. Spending his early years in Manhattan and Eskridge before moving to Topeka. He attended Hayden High School. He was a proud Korean War Air Force Veteran, spending some of his service in Okinawa, Japan.
Jim initially worked for the City of Topeka, then completed his studies to become a journeyman plumber. He was a proud 50-year union member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 441. He ended his career as a master plumber for the Topeka 501 School District.
He had a passion for pheasant and quail hunting, catfishing, and later in life turkey hunting. In the off season he had a large vegetable garden. He enjoyed sharing the produce with family and friends. He was a sports fan, playing slow-pitch softball and never missed watching a Royals or Chiefs game. He enjoyed college sports too, always rooting for the K-State Wildcats. Jim and Rosemary were long time KSU football season ticket holders always tailgating before and after games.
He loved his family with all his heart, especially enjoying the little ones. He will be greatly missed.
All services will be on Friday, July 25, at Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Church, 204 SW 8th Ave, Topeka. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and the Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. followed by military honors. Burial of Jim's cremains at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Newbury, KS is at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Parish or Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and may be sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614.