James Ray Simmons passes away
James Ray Simmons passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024, at his home in Calvin, Oklahoma at the age of 80.
James was born February 23, 1944, in Stigler, Oklahoma to Bill Simmons and Lillian Lanora (Walker) Simmons. He graduated from Calvin Public School with the Class of 1962. James graduated from Eastern Oklahoma A&M, Wilburton, Oklahoma. He married Gina Smith September 8, 1967, at the First Baptist Church in Calvin. James was a Vietnam Veteran, serving as a Navy Hospital corpsman. He was assigned to helicopters with Marine Air Group 36, Chu Lia, Republic of Vietnam. The assignment was the medical evacuation of wounded personnel from the fieldto- field hospitals and/ or the naval hospital ship. James retired from the Midwest City, Oklahoma Fire Department after 22 years of service. He also was a Field Agent & Supervisor for the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office for 20 years with his office located in Calvin. James was a member and Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Calvin. He enjoyed cattle, ranching, fishing and golf. He loved his family, raising a beautiful daughter and his friends statewide.
James is preceded in death by his parents and brother Billy Simmons. He is survived by his wife Gina Simmons of the home, daughter Ginger Simmons Holliman and husband Bob Holliman, nephew Phil Simmons, and niece Tina Jordan and husband Duskin, and children Aubrey and Tell and wife Michela. James is survived by numerous other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers are Regina Webster, Luke Kulhman, Steven Roth, Michael Lindley, Jerred Turner and Michelle Rockey. Honorary pallbearers are Jerad Winningham, Travis Graham, Chris Karch and Mens Sunday School Class.
Viewing was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2024, and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., today, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Hudson- Phillips Funeral Home, Holdenville, Oklahoma.
Funeral service will be 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the Calvin School Auditorium with Pastor Kurtis Stoll officiating.
Interment will follow at Calvin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Calvin Cemetery Association or Trinity Clinic in Calvin.
Services are under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home.
