James Dillard Simmons

Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24)

James Dillard Simmons, Jim, to friends and family went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. He was surrounded by family and entered into Heaven while leaving this Earth peacefully and without pain. He was ninety years old.

Born January 3, 1931 to Macy and (James) Dillard Simmons, Jim spent his formative years on and around the family farm on Mt. View Road in Jumping Branch, West Virginia. A graduate of Hinton High School, Jim went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. After returning home he began a career as a railroader with CSX whom he proudly worked for over the course of 39 years.

While never one to boast, Jim was a self-taught guitarist and mandolin player who enjoyed bluegrass, country, and gospel music throughout his life. His family fondly remembers nights enjoying popcorn, apples, and ice cream on the porch. In addition to his musical talents, he was also a skilled carpenter that could construct anything from a child's doll house to a full-size workshop and machinery shed.

Jim married Hazel Lester on March 6, 1954 and with her they share a daughter, Peggy and son James Kelly (J.K.). Jim's devotion to his family was constantly on display in ways that were both easily seen and more often than not, unspoken, but never unnoticed.

He loved life and appreciated the simple blessings it offered such as watching for the moon each night, listening for the katydids first call, enjoying a homemade egg and biscuit or simply sitting on the porch. He also enjoyed squirrel hunting and working in his garden.

Some of Jim's fondest memories occurred while being a devoted grandfather. He spent countless hours around the softball fields of southern West Virginia where he watched and cheered on his granddaughter and her teammates at Shady Spring High School.

Jim was a congregant of Daniels Missionary Baptist Church and his passing, while leaving an unfillable void here on Earth also presents an intangible statement of faith to that of his family and friends that Jim is in his Heavenly home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jim was the oldest of three children. He was predeceased by a brother, Donald Ralph Simmons and a sister, Betty Ann Simmons Patrick.

Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years Hazel, his two children Peggy Adams (Tim) and J.K. (and special friend Delores Shumate), granddaughter Lee Adams, and great grandson Isaac. He is also survived by multiple family members, friends that are like family, and so many others.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 29th at Daniels Missionary Baptist Church for family from 5-6 pm with friends and others who may wish to pay respects calling from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at Daniels Missionary Baptist Church at Noon on Saturday with Pastors Dr. Howard. L Wilburn and Dr. Timothy Dillon officiating, with interment to follow at the family cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dennis Carver, Adam Carver, Larry Lilly, Gary Jones, Rob Newsome, Pete Sauchuck, and Gary Newberry. Honorary Pallbearer will be Griff Lilly.

Private online condolences, floral tributes, and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net.

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home Shady Spring Chapel, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.