of Chelsea, Michigan (formerly of Ann Arbor), age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in CRC (Chelsea Retirement Community) on Tuesday, April 24th, 2018. James, the loving husband of Charlotte Graves Wint Simmons, was born to George James and Florence Ella (McPhearson) Simmons on March 28,1928 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. James is survived by his loving wife Charlotte, who he married 68 years ago in Ann Arbor. He is also survived by his three daughters Mary (Brian) Hughes of White Lake, Judi (Richard) Trenton of Roscommon, and Pamela Simmons of Ypsilanti: eight grandchildren Brie (Matthew) LaLone, Cheryl Taylor, Erin (Ben) Stevenson, Melissa Trenton, (fiance Todd Hohauser), Rachel (Brandon) Evans, Matthew Garza and 8 1/2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Wayne.
James' life work focused on serving others. He served his country in the US Navy at the end of World War II. This service was followed by many years as a minister for the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served many communities including, Clinton, Ferndale, Highland, Carleton, Linden, Weston, Hartland, and Willoughby Hills, Ohio. James served Adrian College as a reference librarian. He was Chaplin for CRC, and served as Archivist for the United Methodist Church Detroit Conference. After James and Charlotte moved to CRC, he was asked to serve as CRC’s librarian. He and his wife valued serving their community through numerous charities and causes including Meals on Wheels and LEAHC (Lenawee Emergency and Affordable Housing Corporation). He was active in the Rotary Club and received several honors including the Adrian College Alumni Service Award which he was co-awarded with Charlotte, and the J.A. Baughman Church History Award.
A memorial service will be held in his honor, Thursday, May 3rd at 3:00 p.m. It will be held in the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel with Reverend Tom Macaulay and Reverend Tina Zimmerman officiating. All are welcome to come and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UMRC (United Methodist Retirement Community) Foundation or to the Chelsea United Methodist Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.