James Simmonds

Waynesville, James Henry Simmonds, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Pigeon Valley Nursing Home. A native of Johnson City, Tennessee, he was a prior resident of St. John's, Arizona, where he served as a city magistrate, but he had lived in Haywood County most of his life. He was the son of the late Lacy Burton Simmonds and Minnie Ruth Smith Simmonds. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Laura Elzina Simmonds, who died in 2006, and one sister, Lucille Franklin. He was a US Navy veteran having served during World War II and was a retired supervisor from the American Enka Corporation with 21 years of service. He had a wonderful personality and always had a joke to tell. James' life revolved around his church, and he and his best friend and wife, Laura, belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From there they served the Lord and traveled on mission trips to Virginia Beach, Virginia, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Birmingham, Alabama. He is survived by one daughter, Jennifer McClure and her husband, Phillip, of Waynesville; one son, James Henry B. Simmonds and his wife, Tammy, of Preston, Idaho; nine grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Steve Adler officiating. Burial will be at Fullbright Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 until 12:45 p.m. prior to services at the church. Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Waynesville is in charge of arrangements.

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