Rev. James Simmons of Chelsea, formerly of Ann Arbor, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in CRC (Chelsea Retirement Community) on Tuesday, April 24, 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.
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.
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