Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel
912-754-6421 (fax) 912-754-3426 P.O. Box 295, Springfield, GA 31329
PICTURE
James (Jim) J. Simmons
James (Jim) J. Simmons, 74, of Springfield died peacefully, Friday, April 7, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 29, 1942 in Percival, Iowa to Clifford L. and Katherine Simmons.
Jim retired from Union Camp after 42 years. After retirement, he went to work for Thomas C. Strickland Funeral Homes where he worked for over 15 years. He was a dedicated member of Springfield United Methodist Church where he served on the Administrative Board, was the Lay Leader of the church, District Lay Leader, and past President of the Springfield United Methodist Men. He was also a Sunday School teacher and sang in the choir.
He served as President of the Springfield Lion's Club from 2003 – 2005. The last eight years he was a member of the Effingham County Fair Committee where he was the Chair for the last five years. He volunteered with the Historic Effingham Society. In 2007 he was inducted into the Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame. He was recognized as a friend of 4-H in 2015.
He was active with Mission on the Move. He served on several mission trips to Mexico and Honduras, as well as multiple places here in the United States.
For years, he volunteered as a baseball and softball coach for the Recreation Department and Springfield United Methodist Church. After coaching he began work as a umpire for all levels of softball and baseball, up to the collegiate level.
He also volunteered with the United Way, American Heart Association, Relay for Life, and was active with the local Election Board.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and camping. He was a passionate Georgia Bulldog and spent many glorious Saturdays with his family, Between the Hedges.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jacquelyn (Jackie) Simmons; sons, Kurt (Bruce), and Scott (Dale); daughter, Dawn Leu (Lawrence); seven grandchildren, Caleb, Josh, Jennifer, Abby, Jacob, Savannah, and Whittney; one great-grandchild, Riley; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Springfield United Methodist Church.
Interment will follow in Springfield Cemetery Annex.
Remembrances may be given to Springfield United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Springfield, GA 31329
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home Effingham Chapel (912)754-6421