The family chain is broken with the passing of James Donald Simons on March 11, 2026 at Reed City Skilled Nursing Center. Mr. Simons was a resident of Hersey, MI and passed away at the age of 83.

James was born October 26, 1942 in Jackson, Michigan to Donald and Arlene (Wochholz) Simons. On March 7, 1964 he married Barbara Sirks in Jackson, where they made their home for six years, before moving to the Kalamazoo area and raising their family. Jim was an electronics technician for AT&T at the time. In the early 1980's Jim was introduced to the HAM radio which interested Barb as well, and soon after they both found themselves covering various sporting events throughout the local area.

As a family they enjoyed numerous camping trips up and down the Lake Michigan coastline before buying a motorhome. After that they went anywhere. Jim was a family man through and through. He taught them the value in hard work, how to be resourceful and that dedication pays off. There wasn't anything that he wouldn't  give them within reason. In later years, Jim and Barb looked forward to wintering in Florida and worked hard to make a good life for each other and their family. They were seldom seen without each other and simply put, just loved. 

Jim was a great father to Julie, Judy & Jeri Lynn Simons and for 62 years, the beloved husband of Barb. Jim had five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; two half-sisters, Jackie Simons and Janette Love both of California and many extended family and friends.

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

Cremation has taken place through the care of Corey Funeral Home in Evart. Semiprivate services will be held when the weather is warmer. Those wishing to express there sympathies may do so in person or online by clicking the "Tribute Wall" tab on Jim's page at www.coreyfuneralhome.com