James O. Simmons

James O. Simmons, 89, of Toledo, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2009, at Lake Park. He was born August 25, 1920, in Toledo and was the son of William and Lillian Simmons. Jim was a DeVilbiss graduate and attended North Central College, in Naperville, IL, for four years, where he played football. He served honorably in the U.S. Army after being drafted in 1942. Jim came ashore at Omaha Beach several days after D-Day. He was a longtime parishioner at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church where he also served on the vestry. He was a very honest man and worked hard to support his family. His first job, after marriage was a salesman for Toledo Merchandise. Jim also served as an Administrator at St. Vincent Hospital and lastly, was Vice President of Claims and Underwriting for Blue Cross of NW Ohio, where he retired in 1982. He was very proud of developing the Medicare Division at Blue Cross. Jim loved to plan and take summer family vacations, first to Michigan, and later to the South, the wilderness of Ontario and then the Rocky Mountains, where he camped, hiked, canoed and made lasting memories. On his 25th Anniversary he went to Europe, returning to England and France, where he spent the war years. Following his retirement he and his wife continued to travel throughout the country, Mexico and take cruises. Jim was a great fan of Toledo Rockets sports, through the good years and bad, sitting in subzero wind chill to watch the Rockets play Tulsa in football and saw all the games of the super seniors from 1969-71. He had great mental math which served him well at work. It was difficult to see him lose those mental faculties as Alzheimer's took them away. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Ruth (Battenfield) Simmons; sons, David (Ann) Simmons and Thomas Simmons; granddaughters, Emily and Sarah and his brother, John (Janet). He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dwight (Nancy) and sister, Martha (Ed) Andra. Jim loved and was very proud of his granddaughters. Friend are invited to visit from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue. Funeral services and interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church or the donor's favorite charity.

James O. Simmons

August 25, 1920 - December 27, 2009