James A. Simmons

James A. “Jim” Simmons, Jr., 58, of Stevensville, passed away Sunday, September 19, 2010 at the University of Michigan Hospital. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Paul A. Koehneke officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Jim's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jim was born November 5, 1951 in St. Joseph to James A. & Gladys G. (Ott) Simmons. He graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1971. For a graduation gift, his parents gave Jim flying lessons. He made his first solo flight on January 31, 1973, and continued to fly for many years to follow. Jim was employed as a mechanic, beginning at H.K. Cupp & Sons, followed by Signal Delivery, and ending at United Parcel Service in St. Joseph, when his health forced his retirement. On August 14, 1998, Jim married Jean Tefs Franks in St. Joseph. He was a member of The Teamsters, Local #7 for the past twenty-five years. Jim enjoyed working with his hands, whether it was working on an engine, a bike, or remodeling his cabin in Rothbury. He was always willing to help anybody with anything. Jim was a member of the NRA, enjoyed hunting, fishing, the out of doors, antiquing and NASCAR. He was a free spirit who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Jim is survived by his wife Jean; three children-Jay Simmons of St. Joseph, Jeff (Melissa) Simmons of Baroda, Dawn (James) Everett of Battle Creek; three grandchildren-Kayla & Kelsey Franks and Alex Everett, all of Battle Creek; his sister Rhonda (Thom) Rabbers of St. Joseph; eight nieces & nephews-Sarah & Garrett Rabbers, Mike Companion, Melissa Gleason, Tim, Terry, Susan & Dustin Tefs; several brother and sister-in-laws-Judy Companion of St. Joseph, Leroy (Trish) Tefs of Nebo, North Carolina and Russell (Dixie) Tefs of St. Joseph; friends too numerous to mention; and his beloved cats Allie & Cody. He was preceded in death by his parents James Sr. & Gladys Simmons.