James Simmons, Sr.

Jim Simmons died after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at 11:45 p.m. at the Carpenter Hospice House surrounded by his family. He was 65, a resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Sallisaw, Okla. Jim was a 1962 graduate of Beaumont High School, Beaumont, Texas, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962 to 1967. He worked for Exxon Pipeline Co., retiring with 38 years of service in 2005. Visiting will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, on Friday, Feb. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting will resume at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., concelebrated by the Rev. Mike Schatzle and the Rev. Rubin Reynolds. Entombment in the church mausoleum. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Geselle Fontenot Simmons, of Baton Rouge; three sons, James Jr. and wife Ashleigh, and Michael Simmons, all of Baton Rouge, and Patrick and wife Aracely, of Prairieville; a daughter-in-law, Beth H. Simmons, of Mineola, Texas; brother, David and wife Becky Simmons, of Nashville, Tenn.; brother-in-law, Brad Rodriguez, of Beaumont, Texas; four grandchildren, Jimmy III, Aidan and Evan, all of Baton Rouge, and Lauren Simmons, of Mineola, Texas; mother-in-law, Dora Fontenot, of Prairieville; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman R. and Mary K. Anderson Simmons; brothers, Norman R. Simmons Jr. and Robert B. Simmons; sister, Betty Ruth Rodriguez; son, Andrew R. Simmons; and father-in-law, Nolan A. Fontenot. Pallbearers will be Exxon Pipeline buddies. Honorary pallbearers are his sons and grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 or Cancer Service of Greater Baton Rouge, 550 Lobdell Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Brooks and staff, Dr. Sharon and the Hospital Medicine Group at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet, especially to telemetry nurses Christen and Kaitlyn, for all their gentle care. Thanks also to the Carpenter House and to all our good neighbors and friends for their love, prayers and support.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, February 13, 2009
6pm9pm

Service

Rosary

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, February 13, 2009
7pm

Vistiation

St. George Catholic Church
7808 St. George Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70809
Saturday, February 14, 2009
9am

St. George Catholic Church
7808 St. George Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70809
Saturday, February 14, 2009
10am

Cemetery

St. George Catholic Mausoleum
7808 St. George Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70809

Memorial Contributions

St. George Catholic Church
7808 St. George Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70809

Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge
550 Lobdell Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA  70806