James Edward Simmons, Sr.

James Edward Simmons, Sr. , was born July 17, 1948 to Samuel Nathaniel and Victoria Elizabeth Simmons in Georgetown, South Carolina. James affectionately known as “Jim”, took his earthly rest at the age of 77 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by his living wife, family and friends. He was preceded in transition by his parents, grandmother Rebecca Nelson, brother Ralph R. Simmons and uncle Willie “Uncle Junior” Nelson.

James grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in June 1966, he continued his education at the University of New Hampshire and was graduated with his Bachelors of Science degree in may 1971. After college James joined the United States Air Force and then went on to complete Officer Candidate School (COS) at Lack land Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and was commissioned as an Aviation Navigation Officer.

After receiving his commission James married his high school sweetheart Linda Mae Simmons December 26, 1971 , over the course of several years the couple traveled to various including an overseas tours of duty, while in the Philippines they began practicing Buddhism with the main goal of sharing happiness with everyone. “Jim” remained a member of the community until his passing.

His last duty station was Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, Belton, Missouri. The couple decided to make Kansas City their home, and raised their two sons. James was multifaceted and was involved in many professions in management positions, finally retiring from US Bank Service Department in 2016.

James was full of love, life and laughter. He loved to sing, dance, tell jokes (an awesome story teller), and make new friends. He was a family man who loved his family dearly and wherever he went he made a friend.

James leaves to cherish the good times shared; his loving wife of (54) fifty-four years Linda of the home; his two sons James Edward Simmons, II (LaTonya) and Nathaniel Williams Simmons; grandchildren Dashone A. Alford (Antonio), Janise E. Simmons (Faith), James E. Simmons III, Nathaniel D. Simmons and Mae Lynn Simmons, his bonus grandchildren Najee S. Guillory, Nija S. Banks, Nadia S. Harris (Jayveon) and Nina Kizzee; great grandchildren Zen A.L. Always, LeLu Kris-Simmons, and honor Alford; bonus great-great grandchildren Truth, Justice, Sylvia and Emerald; his brothers William A. Simmons (Pixie), Daniel Simmons; his sister Shelia C.V. McPhearson and his dear sister/cousin Clara F. Goode, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and brothers and sisters in faith.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Febuary 28, 2026, at the Greater Faith Baptist Church 7735 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon, funeral service 12:00 Noon. Interment will be in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Professional Services entrusted to the ELITE Funeral Chapel 11525 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO 64134. Tel: 816.765.0141 / www.elitefuneralchapel.org.

Malcolm Morris, LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR.