James Eugene Simms, Jr.

James Eugene Simms Jr, age 66, of Burgess Virginia, passed away on October 1, 2024.

He was born in Washington DC in 1958 to James E. Simms Sr, and Helen Simms. He grew up in District Height, MD, graduated from Suitland high school, and in his teens, joined the District Heights Volunteer Fire Department where he provided service to his community for over 20 years.

In 1980, he married Kathy Doubleday and together they had two sons, James E Simms III, and Christopher A. Simms. He later married for a second time to Donna Burton and became a stepfather to Tim Higgins and Shawn Higgins. Together, they merged into one family.

He was a hard-working man whose goal in life was to provide a good life for his family. He worked as an auto mechanic in his earlier years, and later became a Snap-On Tool Franchise Dealer where he worked for 30 years until he retired in December of 2019.

Though he loved working and staying busy, his favorite role was that of a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and loved being their pop-pop, grandpa, and granddad.

His best friend was his dog Charlie of 10 years whom he spoiled rotten and considered an important member of the family.

He will always be remembered for his generosity, and the help he provides to others without ever asking for anything in return. He never had to think twice about helping others when they asked, instead, he would stop what he was doing to lend a helping hand.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Helen, his father, James, and his wife, Donna, and survived by his sons, Jimmy Simms (Lauren), Chris Simms (Amanda), Stepsons, Tim Higgins (Erica), Shawn Higgins (Patti), siblings, Sherly Lewis (Mark), Bruce Simms (Erica), Wayne Simms (Belinda), Karl Simms (Liza), and his nine grandchildren, Gianna, Avery, Brantley, Tanner, Owen, Jaxon, Cooper, Amelia, and Calan.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

The family will receive friends at Lee Funeral Home Calvert 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 10:00 am – 12 pm where a Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his honor to “The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation” https://npcf.us