James H. Simmons

Devoted to Family

South Plainfield, NJ - James H. Simmons, 80, quietly and peacefully passed on to the next phase of eternal life on September 4, 2008 surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born in Jersey City on October 27, 1927, he recently celebrated his fifty-ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Veronica Simmons.

After briefly serving as a Merchant Marine in Naples, Italy during WWII, he was a co-owner of Jack and Gene's coffee shop in Plainfield. He later worked at David Smith Steel in South Plainfield for thirty-five years, retiring as foreman in 1986. A sixty year resident of South Plainfield and communicant of Sacred Heart RC Church, he will always be remembered as a loving, generous, strong, hard-working father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Throughout his battle with heart disease, he continually amazed his doctors and family with his ability to recover again and again. He is admired for his strength and resolve to live as well as his positive attitude of carrying his cross without complaint. He enjoyed the company of his friends and neighbors that frequently stopped in to chat and check on him.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Veronica Simmons, his children; Paul Keller and wife Diane of South Brunswick, Patty Donati and husband Louis of Coral Springs, FL, Jacqueline Lombardi and husband Dr. Robert Lombardi of Edison, Alice Simmons of Port St. Lucie, FL., Deborah Lanza and husband Thomas of South Plainfield and James Simmons, Jr. and wife Michelle of Hamilton. He also leaves behind his sister Cookie Hackman and her husband Clarence along with twenty-five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and a sister-in-law.

Funeral mass will be held on Monday, September 8, 2008 beginning 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church in South Plainfield with entombment to follow at Resurrection Burial Park Mausoleum in Piscataway.

Visitation is private.

Fuenral Services are under the direction of the McCriskin - Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080

In lieu of flowers, donations in James's name may be sent to the South Plainfield Rescue Squad, 2520 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080