James Simmons

James Edward Simmons, of Springville, Alabama, passed away on July 28, 2011. He was born on September 17, 1921 to Bert and Jack Simmons in Margaret, Alabama. Ed attended the University of Alabama, and, being a big Alabama fan, he looked forward to all of the games. In Margaret he was employed in the grocery business and the local post master for a number of years, and then he was employed as a representative with HUD for the Federal government for twenty years. Ed also proudly served his country in World War II, and in retirement he was a member of the Sergeants' Air Force Group. Ed was ordained as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Leeds, and in later years also served as chairman of the deacons at Mount Pisgah church in Pell City. At the time of his death, he was a member of Ashville Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his mother Bert Simmons, his father Jack Simmons, his sister Evelyn Morse, and his brother-in-law Joseph Gettys Morse. He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years Miriam "Mimi" Tunnell Simmons, his sons Ronnie Simmons, Randy (Brenda) Simmons, and Barry (Dawn) Simmons. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Brooke (Josh) Ford, Meg (Blayne) Lowry, Casey (Emily) Simmons, Tess Simmons, Mandy Simmons, and Courtney Simmons; and three great-grandchildren, Addy Simmons, Cole Lowry, and Lucy Ford. He leaves many nieces and nephews; especially Joanne Moseley, a very special niece. Visitation will be Saturday, July 30, 2011 from 9:00AM until 10:00AM with the funeral service following visitation at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama. Brother James R. Sampley will officiate the service, and Eddy Moseley will also speak. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Simmons, Randy Simmons, Barry Simmons, Casey Simmons, Josh Ford, and Blayne Lowry. Honorary pallbearers are Norton Eubanks, Lewis Bice, and Carlton Faulkner. Many thanks to Hospice and his caretakers. They were all so loving and kind. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.