It is with great sadness to announce the passing of, John Simmons, into the arms of our Lord at 4:10 Saturday the 21st of February 2026. John was 77 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Simmons, his brothers Harry and Jay as well as his granddaughter Sarah Parrott. May they all be at peace in their reunion as they welcome him home.

He grew up in St. Louis Missouri. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Judi, daughters Lisa Parrott (David Parrott), Kathy Gibbs (Brian Gibbs), stepchildren Henry Peer and Stacy Germano (Mike Germano), eight grandchildren, Dustin James(Pam James), Kayla Smith(Garrett Smith), Brandi Simmons(Josh Guthrie), Brianna Self(Jeremy Self), Brian Simmons(Teal Simmons), Brittany Highbaugh(Jake Highbaugh), Joe Germano, and Julia Germano. Also, his 9 great grandchildren Roman James, Raelynn James, Osmond Smith, Gavin Self, Briar Simmons, Titan Simmons, Auora Simmons, Berkleigh Highbaugh, and Karsyn Highbaugh.

John was a 35 year Teamsters, city driver, and proud to receive the No Accident Award. He loved being out on the water taking his family boating, going full speed, wind in our faces and slowing down to fish at his secret spots. He was a jokester who would wait until after we would get back in the boat after a swim, to casually mention there might be gators in the lake. That was him — adventurous, a little mischievous, and always keeping things interesting.

He was a true tinkerer. Always building something, fixing something, or creating something with his hands. The kind of man who could make something out of nothing. He would always have a go cart, electric bike, mini bike, mopeds, motorized scooter, golf carts, or something for his family to enjoy when we would visit with him and he was also ready for any crashes we had. When he took us tubing, he would make sure to circle up some big wakes for us to ride. He loved the water. He even had an inground pool for a while that he worked so hard to build himself to make sure we could all swim at an early age and learn how to be actors as we reenacted Titanic, pretended to be mermaids, as well as the founding fathers. When we dried off, we would play “Hillbilly Gold” on the sets he built while he built us bonfires so we could play into the night.

He loved taking his family to his favorite little ma and pa restaurants, proudly showing off his family. The pride and pure love he had for his family was written all over his face. When he was not showing us off, he was busy entertaining us or sharing his stories and wisdom. Spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren was his favorite all pastimes. And he always made sure to give us something of his to play with or remember him by. Even though on occasion when we were little, we left him with strawberry candy wrappers stuffed in his couch. That even put a smile on his face. His heart was very giving and very forgiving.

He also loved to cook for us and he was great at it since he once owned a restaurant. There was nothing he could not do and do well. His pancakes had that perfectly oiled, crispy edge drenched in flavored syrup and they tasted better at his table than anywhere else.

He always had at least one dog at his side and each held a special place in his heart because they were just as much a part of his family as we were. He loved them unconditionally and also felt great pride for them as each one of them protected and loved him as their Alpha leader.

His friends were plentiful and close. He enjoyed spending time with them for fishing trips, tinkering, ideas to fix all of the world’s problems, and Texas Hold’em. He loved going to Las Vegas with the “boys” where they rolled out the limos and VIP suites. He was a man of men and the Casinos were still calling after he passed. They will never have another player and guest like him and they were honored to have him stay and play with them.

John Simmons had the blueprint to enjoy life, love deeply, and cared with all of his heart. He believed in working for what he wanted, as he said “you got to get with the program” and “know what’s first.” We are so grateful for the memories made and the legacy of love, laughter, and hard work he leaves behind. He had a heart of gold and will never be forgotten and will be missed immensely until we get to see him again as we are all sure he will be waiting to greet us in Heaven with his amazing smile and bright blue eyes.

We are holding a Celebration of Life to honor John Simmons, our Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Best Friend and Loving Husband at the Christ Lutheran Church of Summerfield Florida on April 17th, 2026 at 11am. For those who cannot attend, it will be live streamed as well on YouTube under the same name as the Church. May God Rest his soul and give him everlasting life.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

Christ Lutheran Church

PO Box 693

Summerfield FL 34491

If attending please use street address rather than name of church:

15699 SE 80th Avenue

Summerfield FL 34491