In Memory

James Byron Simmons - Class Of 1970

Obituary 

James B. Simmons (FHHS '70)


Chesapeake, VA - 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 was conducted on Saturday, May 31, at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Norfolk. Rev. Grant Stokes officiated.

The family received friends 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.