James 'Jim' Simmons, 76

LAUREL - James "Jim" Simmons, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, surrounded by his loving family in Lewes. He was 76. He was born in Monticello, Ark. a son of the late Ira Newton Simmons and Gretchen Simmons. Mr. Simmons was a retired plant manager for JP Price, and also a substitute teacher at the Laurel High School, where he was a member of the Laurel Football Booster Club. Jim was a member of the Laurel Church of Christ, and a Boy Scout Leader were he was a member of the Brotherhood of the Arrow. He proudly served in the Arkansas National Guard for 10 years. He was also a member of the Optimist Club in Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Guylene Burks Simmons; and his sons, James "Bubba" Simmons Jr. of Laurel, and Guy Burks Simmons of Hoopers Island, Md; daughters, Louann West of Laurel, and Suzanne Simmons of Lewes; and grandchildren, Jessica and J. Rodney Simmons, both of Laurel. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Laurel Church of Christ on Central Ave., Laurel, where friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Ministers Ian Druncker and Jeff Wessom will officiate. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Compassionate Care Hospice, 31038 Country Garden Blvd., Suite D2, Dagsboro, DE 19939; or the Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes DE 19958. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel.