Pastor James O Simmons' Obituary
James Otto Simmons, 90, of Lakewood passed away peacefully December 23, 2017. He was born August 15, 1927 in Burkburnett, Texas to Charles and Ivea Simmons. James was ordained into the ministry Dec 31st, 1950 and served for the next 67 years throughout Missouri, California, New Mexico, Kansas, Vancouver BC, Illinois and Washington. James was preceded by his wife Imogene of 63 yrs. and is survived by his soul-mate Carolyn, sons Michael (Marilyn), Richard (Janet), Curtis (Bunny), Randy (Glynis), 13 grandchildren and over 20 great-grandchildren.
At 16 yrs. old, James enlisted in the Merchant Marines during WWII and then re-enlisted in the US Army until discharged. Upon his return home, James attended Southwest Baptist College and was ordained into the ministry. James moved his family to California Baptist College to complete his education and served as pastor in many Southern Baptist Churches in several states including Vancouver, BC. There he served for 13 yrs. as pastor to the Vancouver Church for the Deaf. James first love of the Deaf ministry began as a counselor for California School for the Deaf in Berkley California, while attending Golden Gate Baptist Seminary and continued through the rest of his life. James continued his deaf ministry, in New Mexico, Kansas, Vancouver BC, Illinois, Missouri and Washington. Due to health reason, James returned to Washington to be near family. Even while dealing with health issues, he continued his ministry by teaching sign language classes at FBC Lakewood and began teaching in the Senior Adult Department where he continued until earlier this year.
The family would like to give special thanks to all the members his Multi-Care Hospice Team for their support and care. Throughout this process, you have been an example of true care and concern for our father during this time of his life and were truly Heavenly Angels to help him through his last days. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Lakewood, Jan 13, 2018 at 11:00 am. Internment service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Covington, Washington on Jan 12, 2018 ay 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to Multi-Care Hospice and Palliative Care, Tacoma in honor of Pastor James Simmons.
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