James Arthur Simmons

James Arthur (Jim) Simmons, May 11, 1942 – January 8, 2025, went to be with his Lord and Savior after a long and blessed life. Lankford Funeral Home and Crematory will host a Memorial Service on Saturday February 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the funeral home parlor. A private burial will be held at the Glenwood Cemetery for the family at a future date.

Jim was a member of the class of 1960 at Chaffee High School in Ontario, California. He was active in a leadership role and played three sports. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur (Art) and Dercie Edith (Hawkins) Simmons, his brother, Harry Sanford Simmons, and his late wife, Helen Bruce Simmons. He leaves behind Helen’s son, Tony DeCastro, and two daughters by his first wife, Frances Gail (Jallu) Simmons.

Jim saw a lot of the world, thanks to Uncle Sam. The Army footed the travel bill during his military service and afterwards when he was a civil servant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Research and Development organization. He was pleased with the results of a number of projects he led, and he was most satisfied with managing the initial studies which led to what people know and use today – Google Earth. Upon retirement, he and Helen Bruce moved to Florida in time for the 1997 wildfires. One came within a mile of their home. They learned that raising a pup without running water is very challenging. Jim enjoyed Bass fishing, and soon had a boat, and joined Tedder’s Bass Club. His big Bass came during a tournament on the St. Johns River and weighed in at 11lb 10 oz.

Life moved along with Helen Bruce and Jim being active in church activities, communities, and care of their animals. Helen Bruce was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and life changed. Her valiant fight lasted until October 15, 2023 (5 days before her 74th birthday). Jim continued on with help from Tony and his Lady, Cory, and neighborhood friends, and new friends at Trinity United Methodist Church. He gave the Lord credit for putting all of these people in his path. While he felt blessed in life, he knew he would be blessed in death.