James Lewis “Jimmy” Simmons Jr., 76, died Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, at his home under the care of Deaconess Hospice and surrounded by family and friends who love him dearly.

Funeral services are today, Oct. 22, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Laird’s Funeral Home in Natchez with the Rev. Dan Wynn officiating.

Visitation will be held before the service at 12 pm. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Natchez, under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Jimmy was born Aug. 8, 1938, to Hallie Belle Price Simmons and James Lewis Simmons Sr. in Vicksburg. He attended Culkin Academy and graduated with the class of 1957.

He attended Hinds Jr. College for two years before joining the United Stated Army. He proudly served his country for five years, and returned home to Vicksburg, where he managed the family business.

In 1978 he bought the Natchez Steam Laundry, now Simmons Steam Cleaners, Laundry, & Rental, and he moved to Natchez.

On Aug. 24, 1981, he married his wife of 33 years, Sarah Gentry Simmons. They made their life and home in Natchez. They were the owners of Highland Health Club for 19 years. Due to Jimmy’s health, the club was sold to the now Crosspoint Church.

Jimmy was a Baptist and became a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Vicksburg at the young age of 13.

He had many talents, but working hard every day is what he loved. He was an airplane pilot and a scuba diver. He enjoyed water skiing, skating, working out, socializing, and he loved to go dancing.

Jimmy loved to see people smile. He had a kind heart. Jimmy never met a stranger, and he was always helping others. He touched the lives of everyone he met. Surely he will be missed dearly by those that knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sarah Gentry Simmons; by a loving daughter he reared as his own, Rhonda Gentry Binns; by his three sons: Jody, Keith (Sherri), and Kevin Simmons; by two grandsons, Jacob and Matthew Simmons, all of Natchez, Mississippi; and by his four siblings, Carolyn Douglas, Brenda Mann, Patricia Geiger and Charles Wayne all of Vicksburg.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John David Simmons.

Pallbearers will be Wink Collins, Lonnell Conner, Marshall Fleming, Ben Hewitt, Paul Perrin, and Scott Pintard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Aric Richter, Julius Murray, James Robertson, Buddy Ragland and all employees of Jimmy Simmons.

We would like to thank Deaconess Hospice, Misty, Jackie, and Paige for their loving care.

Jimmy rescued many animals throughout his life, giving them a wonderful and caring home. He leaves behind several who love him dearly and will miss him very much: Remmi, Gizmo, Baby Bear, Love Bud, Seattle, and Razor. In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to make a donation to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.