James M. "Jimmy" Simmons

Chief Warrant Officer CW5 (Ret.) James Madison “Jimmy” Simmons, age 77, entered into rest early Saturday morning, March 26, 2016, at his home in Walterboro.  He was the loving husband of fifty-two years to the late Mrs. Edna Reed Simmons.

Funeral services will be conducted 3 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, March 29, 2016, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro.  The Reverend Godfrey Ritter officiating.   Interment with military honors will follow in Glendale Memorial Cemetery, 2210 Mount Carmel Road, Walterboro.

Born on July 2, 1938, in the Ashton Community of Colleton County, South Carolina, he was the oldest child of the late James Alison Simmons and the late Mildred Drawdy Simmons.  He was predeceased by his wife, parents, a sister, Marva Jean Simmons; and a younger brother, Robert Jackson (Bubba) Simmons.

Mr. Simmons graduated from Walterboro High School Class of 1956.  He served his country and state as a National Guardsman for over 44 years.  (21 December 1953 – 1 July 1998). He was a member of the Sumter Guards of Charleston, South Carolina from August 1960 until his death.  He served as a member of the Washington Light Infantry from May 1980 until his death.  He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer CW5.  Mr. Simmons was a Past Master and Life Member of Etiwan Lodge No. 95 AFM in Mount Pleasant.  He was also a Past President of the Masters and Wardens Club, First and Second Masonic District of South Carolina, a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason of the Charleston Bodies, and a fifty year member of the Omar Temple AAONMS.  He was also a life member of the United States Army Warrant Officer Association.

Mr. Simmons was employed as a National Guard Technician for thirty-six years and retired in 1994.  He was a Past President of the Marion Marauders of Mount Pleasant.  He was a life member of the National Guard Association of South Carolina, and the National Guard Association of the United States.  In his earlier years, he was an avid outdoorsman with a love of hunting and fishing.  He was accepted into the United States Army Quartermaster Regiment as a distinguished member in 2014, a nomination that he coveted.  In addition, he was presented with The Order of Saint Martin.  The awards were present by MG Robert Livingston, Jr., The Adjutant General of South Carolina, and CWO5 Paul Thurston of the United States Army Quartermaster Generals Office.  Mr. Simmons was selected and will be inducted into the South Carolina Army National Guard Warrant Officer Hall of Fame on April 3, 2016.  He was a member of North Walterboro Baptist Church.

Surviving are: his three children, James M. “Butch” Simmons, Jr. and his wife Cindy of Round O, Tamela “Tammy” Kizer and her husband Andy of Edisto Island and Katheryn “Alison” Simmons of Charleston; his granddaughters, Lisa Celeste Mixson and her husband Wade of Ruffin and Kimberly Michelle Simmons of Round O; and two great grandchildren, Tres and Scarlett Mixson.  He leaves behind his adopted daughters, Lynn Fennel, Donna Clemmensem, and Madeline “Madi” Gehrig.

Mr. Simmons was cared for by Piedmont Hospice and was also provided daily care by Linda Moses, Amy Vogt, Fonda Gibbs, and his loving granddaughters, Lisa “Celeste” Mixson and Kimberly Simmons.

The family has suggested that for those who wish, memorial contributions be directed in his memory to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605.

Family and friends are invited to call during his visitation which will be held prior to the funeral service Tuesday afternoon beginning at 130pm at  THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro; 843.538.5408.  Visit our online registry at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.