PEORIA HEIGHTS – James Porter Simmons, Jr., 92, of Peoria Heights, passed away at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born January 3, 1926, in Decatur, Ill., to James Porter, Sr., and Stella (Higgins) Simmons. James married Martha Schultz on March 22, 1947, in Peoria; she preceded him in death on February 15, 2009. He is also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Linda (Ron) Allgaier; 6 sisters; and a brother.
Surviving are his sons, James (Margaret) Simmons and Dave (Kathi) Simmons, both of Peoria Heights; his daughters, Patricia (Rick) Downard of Peoria and Pamela (Larry) Kelch of Peoria Heights; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, John “Jack” Simmons of Pennsylvania.
James proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a truck driver for many years and he enjoyed working on and repairing lawnmowers. James will be remembered as a very generous man who loved his family. He was often found gardening and enjoying coffee with great friends at McDonald’s.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria with Father Paul Stark officiating. There will be a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 23, as well as one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, July 24; both at the mortuary. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria where military honors will be performed by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Post #2.
Memorials may be made to Illinois Valley Fuller Center for Housing or Greater Peoria Honor Flight.
Previous Events
Visitation
23
Jul
2101 N. Knoxville Ave.
Peoria, IL 61603
Visitation
24
Jul
2101 N. Knoxville Ave.
Peoria, IL 61603
Service
24
Jul
2101 N. Knoxville Ave.
Peoria, IL 61603
Cemetery Details
Location
4601 W. War Memorial Drive
Peoria, IL 61615
