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James Franklin “Big Jim” Simmons was the youngest of seven children. He was born to Guy Clifford and Edna Ruth Henderson Simmons on December 14, 1945 in Good Shepard Hospital, in New Bern, North Carolina. “Big Jim” as he was affectionately called by those who knew him, was a lively spirit and left a lasting impression on all he met. At an early age, James joined Clinton Chapel Memorial AME Zion Church. James was a 1964 graduate of Jones High School. As a student he excelled in academics. He was an active member of the Jones High Blue Devils football team. As a member of the high school chorus, he prided himself on his ability to sing and serenade the ladies. He played a large array of musical instruments. His love for music led him to churches all over the world during his military career and after returning home. Upon graduation, James joined the United States Army and proudly served from 1964 to 1978 with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Serving four tours of duty in Vietnam, the war never killed his lust for life and laughter. Big Jim could spin a tale and whether it was true or not, eventually you would believe it. His personality was a great source of wonder and amazement to his family and friends. He enjoyed his friends and entertained with lively conversation and “words of wisdom.” James adventures took him to Jacksonville, Florida, there he met Jacqueline Geddes and married her on October 5, 2003.

James leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Jacqueline Simmons; his sons, Kendall Simmons of Pollocksville, Terrence Simmons of New Port, Rhode Island, and Leonard Geddes, Jr. (Cindy) of Hickory, NC; daughters, Michelle Simms (Corey) of Jacksonville, FL, Sabrina Geddes of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren who will miss his stories are Kenayah Simmons, Kelisa Simmons, Aja Simmons, Alexis Simmons, Terrence Simmons, Jr., Deandre Simmons, Corey Simms, Jr., Nicholas Simms (Janet), Ariel Simms, Jamal Mareus, Tyrone Saunders, Jr., Cassidy Geddes, and Brandon Geddes; three great-grandchildren, London Simms, Paris Simms and Drake Simms; an adopted son, Charlie Johnson; three sisters, Edna Catherine Murphy, Doris Elizabeth Jones, and Julia Lee Smith all of Pollocksville; three brothers, Guy Christopher (Mary Elizabeth), Alvin Randolph of Pollocksville, NC, and Maurice Edward Simmons (Margarete) of Columbia, South Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Patricia A. Zackery, Vanessa Meuse all of Jacksonville, FL; three brothers-in-law, Donald McQueen (Ora Lee), Ronald McQueen, John Cohen (Vanette) all of Jacksonville FL.

Big Jim always had a special group of friends, among the many were, Bob Wilmot, Alvin Surrency (Willie Mae), Chester Hadley, Melvin Franks (Patricia), Billie James Franks (Jennie), Ulric Murrell, and Edgar McArthur Burney, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss his wit, humor and colorful tales.

The memorial service for James Franklin Simmons will be held 11 AM, SATURDAY, at the New Covenant Ministries 2360 St Johns Bluff Road S . Private Interment in Pollocksville, NC . Please sign the family guest book @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234

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