Obituary for Jerry "JJ" Simmons
Jerry "JJ" Louis Simmons, 81, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022 at home. He was born on August 18, 1940, the son of Robert L. Simmons and Addie Katherine (Weatherspoon) McKinney.
JJ graduated with the Class of 1959 from Battle Creek Central High School. After high school he honorably and proudly served in the United States Army while stationed in Hawaii. Once returning home, he graduated from Hillsdale College with his BA in Education, and later received his MA from Michigan State University in Adaptive Physical Education. He retired after 36 dedicated years from the Battle Creek Public School System. JJ was married to Sandra Rupel from 1968 to 1979, but remained friends for long after. He later married Barbara Myers in 1983 and the two have spent the last 39 years together.
JJ is survived by his wife, Barbara (Myers) Simmons; children, Lisa Henderson, Heather (Paul) Sheldon, Jiva "Anthony" Jive, Genevieve (Garland) Otis; grandchildren, Jahmal Jackson, Xavier (Jesus) Henderson, Paityn Sheldon; great-grandchild, Zailyn Henderson and one more on the way; father-in-law, Robert (Kaylene) Myers; sisters-in-law, Shirley McKinney, Cyndi (Mike) Alldaffer, Pam Beers, Robyn (Leif) Borreson; cousin, Reta Ferguson and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James McKinney and special uncle, Milton Weatherspoon.
JJ was a loving man, he never met a stranger. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling and being active in community league sports, especially softball and bowling and coaching the wheelchair basketball team. He was a member of the local Kiwanis Club and original member of the Black Recandos in the 1960's, bringing peace to Battle Creek. JJ was known for his loud bark at all ceremonies, and for ham-bone. His family would like to thank him and always remember him for sharing his wisdom with the world.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, and also on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00 pm with Pastor Chad Parmalee officiating.
Interment will take place in the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com
JJ graduated with the Class of 1959 from Battle Creek Central High School. After high school he honorably and proudly served in the United States Army while stationed in Hawaii. Once returning home, he graduated from Hillsdale College with his BA in Education, and later received his MA from Michigan State University in Adaptive Physical Education. He retired after 36 dedicated years from the Battle Creek Public School System. JJ was married to Sandra Rupel from 1968 to 1979, but remained friends for long after. He later married Barbara Myers in 1983 and the two have spent the last 39 years together.
JJ is survived by his wife, Barbara (Myers) Simmons; children, Lisa Henderson, Heather (Paul) Sheldon, Jiva "Anthony" Jive, Genevieve (Garland) Otis; grandchildren, Jahmal Jackson, Xavier (Jesus) Henderson, Paityn Sheldon; great-grandchild, Zailyn Henderson and one more on the way; father-in-law, Robert (Kaylene) Myers; sisters-in-law, Shirley McKinney, Cyndi (Mike) Alldaffer, Pam Beers, Robyn (Leif) Borreson; cousin, Reta Ferguson and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James McKinney and special uncle, Milton Weatherspoon.
JJ was a loving man, he never met a stranger. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling and being active in community league sports, especially softball and bowling and coaching the wheelchair basketball team. He was a member of the local Kiwanis Club and original member of the Black Recandos in the 1960's, bringing peace to Battle Creek. JJ was known for his loud bark at all ceremonies, and for ham-bone. His family would like to thank him and always remember him for sharing his wisdom with the world.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, and also on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00 pm with Pastor Chad Parmalee officiating.
Interment will take place in the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com