James Melvin Simmons, 75, of Barefoot Bay, Fl passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016, with his family by his side.

He was born to the late Lawrence and Doris Simmons (nee Schuler) on December 14, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland. He received his Bachelor Of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland in January 1973.

Jim married Lyn E. Simmons (nee Fuhrer) in October 1963. They resided in England for 5 years, then Ferndale, Maryland before relocating to Barefoot Bay, Florida in 1989.

Jim served our country in the United States Air Force and continued his career with the Department of Defense for 33 years.

Jim was an active member of the Barefoot Bay Senior Softball League, where he served as Vice President for 2 terms as well as playing the positions of pitcher and first baseman. He loved western, NASCAR, traveling with his wife and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife Lyn; sister, Sharon A. Waddill; sons, Michael and wife Angela, Jeffrey and wife Tysa; grandchildren, Anthony and wife Josie, Mackenzie, Cole, Emily, Jaelyn and Ryan; great-granddaughters, Milla and Mikaela; and sister-in-law, Verne, her husband Gus and family.

A Gathering will be held from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm, Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Seawinds Funeral Home, 735 S. Fleming Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 with a Memorial Service to follow at 2:30 pm in the chapel. Following the Memorial Service family and friends are invited to a reception with a meal at Building D & E in Barefoot Bay, FL.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.

For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website www.seawindsfh.com. Seawinds Funeral Home is honored to serve the Simmons family.