Mr. James Edward Simmons, better known to his friends as "Slim", was summoned by God's heavenly angels, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.  He was obedient, and as always, he gladly answered God's call.

James Edward, as his mom, Essie affectionately called him, was born to the late Jerome Simmons, Sr. and the late Essie Bryant Simmons on February 18, 1948 in Dorchester County, South Carolina. James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Greater St. Paul AME Church at an early age. James served in many capacities at Greater St. Paul AME Church.  He served as a trustee, he served on the usher board and he was a member of the St. Paul Men's Ministry.   James attended the public schools of Dorchester County and upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his country with pride.  James proudly served as a  medic in the U.S. Army. During his time of service, he received several distinguished honors and awards. He received a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, several unit citations and he served in the Vietnam War.

After fulfilling his military duties, James furthered his education at Wilberforce University in Ohio.  He also completed his barber apprenticeship. James was employed at the Giant Cement Plant, the Steel Construction Plant, at Allied Moving Company and at Bostic. However, his all time favorite profession was being a barber and his favorite past time was being an artist.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Essie and Jerome, Sr.  He was also preceded in death by his brother Jerome, Jr. and his step father, Emanuel Johnson.  He leaves to cherish his many precious memories, his loving wife, Alvilda Simmons, whom he loved dearly; his loving children, Tammy Simmons, Summerville, SC, Juanita Perry, St. George, and Andre Britt, Tampa, Florida, step children, Tanjenekia Tucker, Columbia, SC, Demetra Cook, St. George, SC and Andre Tucker, Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren, Nigel Ishmeal Britt, Ta'vianna Johnson, Akeya Simmons Brown, Ashley Perry and James M. Perry, II; 5 great-grands and a host of nieces and nephews; Siblings Jannie May, Harleyville, SC, Ethel Wilson, Harleyville, SC, Barbara (Abraham "AJ")Washington, Harleyville, SC, Verdell Sanders, Virginia Beach, VA, Paul Herbert Simmons, Dorchester, SC and Clarence (Mary) Simmons, Harleyville, SC; step sisters, Rosie(Jerry) McKay, Annie J. McCollum, Odell(Edward) Johnson; Step brothers, Clay(Yvonne) Johnson, Herbert (Billie) Johnson and Roosevelt (Mary) Johnson.