James D. Simons

James Donald Simons of Hersey, Michigan, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Reed City Skilled Nursing Center at the age of 83.

Born on October 26, 1942, in Jackson, Michigan, to Donald and Arlene (Wochholz) Simons, Jim married Barbara Sirks on March 7, 1964, in Jackson. The couple lived there for six years before moving to the Kalamazoo area to raise their family. Jim worked as an electronics technician for AT&T. In the early 1980s, he discovered HAM radio, an interest that Barb soon shared, and together they covered numerous local sporting events. The family spent many happy years camping along the Lake Michigan coastline before purchasing a motorhome and traveling more widely. Jim was a devoted family man who taught his children the importance of hard work, resourcefulness, and dedication. He and Barb later enjoyed wintering in Florida and remained nearly inseparable throughout their 62 years of marriage, bound by a deep and abiding love.

Jim was the beloved father of Julie, Judy, and Jeri Lynn Simons, and the cherished grandfather of five and great-grandfather of four. He is survived by his wife Barb, two half-sisters, Jackie Simons and Janette Love of California, and many extended family members and friends.

He is now reunited with his daughter Jeri Lynn, who passed away in 1989, his sister Joanne Penseyres, and his parents.