Jimmy D Simmons, Sr., 86, a resident of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, following a brief illness and stay in hospital.
He was born on May 14, 1940, at his parents, Clarence and Lucille Simmons home located on Tennessee Ave, Homestead, FL. Jimmy graduated from South Dade High School where he was very active in clubs and sports.
Jimmy held the title of highest scorer for a single basketball game and may still retain that title.
After graduating he had a successful career with Southern Bell/BellSouth/AT & T, Inc., where he retired after 32 years.
Jimmy married his high school sweetheart Marilyn J Cody, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage before Marilyn’s passing on June 28, 2020.
They were devoted parents to three boys: Jimmy Davis Simmons, Jr (Denise), William Gregg Simmons, Jeffrey Todd Simmons.
He had 6 grandchildren; Rachel Evans(Mike), Jimmy Davis Simmons, III, Taylor Sacchieri (Jacob), Raina Simmons, Cody Simmons and Paxton Simmons.
Last but never least, there are 5 great grandchildren: McLellan and Lincoln Evans and Andi, Rosie and Sunday Sacchieri.
Jimmy loved playing softball and was able to play on a team with all three of his boys. He loved spending time at their lake home and playing golf with his friends, sons and his grandson.
He will be remembered for his love of his family, his strength of character and the many lives he touched throughout his years.
He is preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Cody Simmons, his mother and father Lucille and Clarence Simmons, his two brothers William (Bill) Simmons (Mabel), Eugene (Gene) Simmons (BettyAnn) and his sister Betty Irene Rutzke (Walter) as well as his brother-in-law Charles Petkovsek.
A private memorial service will be held at his farm in Pinola, MS at a later date.
