Watson-North Funeral Home is honored to be of service and ministry to the family of Mr. James R. “Jim” Simms, age 87 of Winchester. A native of Dearborn, MI., he and his family settled in Franklin County in 1990. Prior to coming to Franklin County, he worked for General Motors Corporation as a supervising engineer, retiring after 35 years of service. He also owned and operated a medical home care business. He was the President of the Garden City, Michigan Little League and was also a coach. Mr. Simms will be remembered by his wife and family as a very devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a very kind and generous man to anyone in need. He was also an avid fisherman as well as a car and sports enthusiast, his motto being “the faster the better”. Mr. Simms is preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Ester Gagush Simms and his father, Russel Henry Simms. He leaves to cherish his memory and mourn his loss his wife of 68 years, Alva Calloway Simms; daughters, Chris (Bob) Mayer of Howell, MI and Darlyn (Jim,) Daratony of Dexter, MI; son, Jim “Jamie” (Rhonda) Simms of Murfreesboro; brothers, Richard (Nancy) Simms of Dearborn, MI and Ronnie Simms of Taylor, MI. He also leaves 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Watson-North Funeral Home on Wednesday August 18, 2021 between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. Following the visitation hours there will be a time of remembrance instead of a funeral ceremony. Mr. Simms will be transported to his hometown of Flat Rock, MI where he will be laid to rest alongside other family members in Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery.
