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James Simmons Obituary
Chesapeake - James Byron "Jim" Simmons, 63, of Chesapeake, crossed the bar Monday, May 26, 2014, in his home surrounded by his family.
Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Col. Vernon Nelson Simmons, Jr., U.S. Army (RET.) and Jane Byron Simmons. Jim was a magistrate for the City of Chesapeake for 35 years and a former school security officer at GBMS and HMS. He was past president of the Virginia Magistrate's Association, charter member and past president of the South Norfolk Ruritan Club. He was the captain of Relay for Life "Team MacAttack" and served as the 2013 Relay torch bearer. Jim was a member of Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Norfolk. He was a youth coach with Great Bridge Baseball for many years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Sherry McMillan Simmons; two sons, Brad and wife Tracy, and Dan and wife Karen; three beautiful granddaughters who lovingly referred to him as "Pop-Pop", Madeleine, Aubrey and Emmaleigh; a brother, Vernon "Terry" Simmons, III; two sisters, Betsy Spencer Farmer and Mary Simmons Chisholm; his mother-in-law, whom he loved as his own, Wanda Tyree "GiGi" McMillan. Jim was loved and surrounded by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of life-long friends.
The memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 31, at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Norfolk. Rev. Grant Stokes will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday at the Great Bridge Chapel of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake.
The family would like to offer sincere gratitude to Dr. Thomas Alberico, Dr. Michael Williams, Dr. William Grosh and the entire team with Sentara Hospice Services. In addition, the family has been humbled and appreciative of the many acts of kindness and love shown to them. Most especially, the family would like to acknowledge Terry Simmons "Uncle Bubba", who traveled from Gaillac-Toulza, France to be with Jim. His presence offered spiritual, emotional and physical support during the last weeks of Jim's life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James B. "Jim" Simmons Memorial Fund, C/O Monarch Bank, for the continued investment in many of Jim's favorite scholarships and charities.
Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Simmons
Lamont Simmons
June 7, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on the passing of their beloved Jim.
Matthew Guilfoy
May 30, 2014
Jim was an incredible person that touched so many lives. My heart goes out to the entire family.
Ardis Morton
May 29, 2014
Sherry and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My thoughts and Prayers are with you All.
Mary Nell Norris
May 29, 2014
Clan McCall in Gastonia and Asheville are so sorry for your loss.
Our love to you all.
May 29, 2014
Our prayers were with you. Jim was a very special person and touch everyone's heart when you met him.
Jim and Carole Gillespie
May 29, 2014
The Virginia Magistrates Association is sadden by your passing
Larry and Margaret Norfleet
May 29, 2014
Sorry to hear about Jim's death. Am sure he will be missed. May God be with you all at this difficult time.
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