John Michael Simmons went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 2:34 A.M. John was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, on August 16, 1956 to Herschel Simmons and Katherine Altoph Simmons.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Heather Simmons.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Simmons of Wesley; his children, Jennifer Cornelison of Springdale, Steve Hall and Missy Hall of Springdale, Michael Simmons of Gentry; his stepchildren, Jamey Vaught and his wife, Julie of Fayetteville and Jason Vaught and his wife, Laren of Elkins; as well as 12 grandchildren, Taeyler, Maecey, Nikki, Heather, Nevaeh, Jayden, Jr., Colten, Abby, Caden, Mia and Caleb; 3 sisters-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law; 3 nieces and 2 nephews.
John lived in Jefferson City and attended high school there. After high school he graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia with a degree in Criminal Justice. John had a successful career and was a faithful, hard-working employee of Walmart Corporation, National Home Center, Washington Co. Sheriff’s Department and Atwood’s Home and Ranch. John loved the Lord and found joy in sharing God’s Word. He encouraged all around him to keep strong in their faith. John was a member of Wesley Methodist Church of Springdale. John greatly enjoyed all activities in the outdoors such as hunting, camping and horseback riding. He was a proficient marksman and an avid follower of the NASCAR circuit. Family and friends called him “Big John” because he had a huge heart and filled our lives with so much laughter and love. Big John got a kick out of teasing, telling stories and handing-out nicknames. His voice was deep but gentle and kind. John was dedicated and conscientious in all his endeavors and compassionate about everyone he met. He was always positive and left others feeling better about themselves. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed.
The family would like to thank Highlands Oncology Group and Washington Regional Infusion Center and the Washington Regional fourth floor staff for the excellent care they gave John.
Visitation will be held at Beard’s Funeral Chapel on Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 5-7 P.M.
Funeral service will be Monday, March 12, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Beard’s Chapel. Interment will follow in McCord Cemetery.
The family requests that any donations be made to Hope Cancer Resources at hopecancerresources.org in lieu of flowers.
I was so sorry to hear of John passing away. He was my regional at Atwoods, Monticello store. We butted heads but I loved him dearly. He was my go too when I needed anything at all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. From all of us at the Monticello Atwoods, we send, thoughts, prayers and love. He will be missed terribly. And from my daughter, Lauren and myself, prayers and love.
My heart is saddened by the passing of a great man. I worked with him when he was a Deputy in Lawrence County, MO. He was a dedicated man to everything he was involved in. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this so difficult time.
We were so Saddened to hear that John received his wings . He was a Gentlemen’s Gentlemen. He will be missed by us here at Atwoods #25 Clarksville. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Family. God Bless you all .
Will be holding family and friends up in prayers and so sorry for the loss.
It was such a pleasure working with John at Atwood’s. He was such a sweet man. Prayers for his family. RIP John. Spread your wings and soar proudly. You will be greatly missed.
Atwood’s Loss Prevention
So sorry Jane for your loss. I know you will miss him so much. Ever need to talk I am here. Vera
I worked with John at Atwoods Ranch and Home and was able to get to know him as our store was his home store…..he always tried to keep us motivated and basically in line….lol…..which I admired in him being old school myself and had been taught the work ethic early on in life working for Wal-Mart as well, like him, and National Home Center as well, like him…..we were both taught to give a good days work and to work hard…..we both had that in common I guess and he was a good boss in that way…..the last day that I saw him was the day that I retired and was able to say good-bye knowing that he was a Christian man and that I would see him again in Heaven if not on this earth ever again…..I am glad that I gave him a big hug…..it made me cry to say goodbye because I knew in my heart that I would not see him again except it be in Heaven…..I will be praying for the family for comfort during this difficult time and also for the Atwoods family who have also suffered a big loss…..you will be greatly missed by many…..
On behalf of all of Jamey’s Iberiabank family, we send our deepest condolences to your family and loved ones at this sad time.
Jane and family, sorry for your loss.
Saddened to hear of Johns passing. I had the pleasure of working with John for several years in Human Resources. Truly a great man and friend.
No words can express such a loss to you Jane and Your entire family, I had the privilege to work with John last 5 years, so much knowledge and committed to his work, let alone cattle and grandkids that I’m sure he loved dearly, he was a Mans Man. He was not just a work partner but more a friend, my prayers will be lifting you and his family… he has finished the race , and now receiving the prise that waited for him… God Speed John… no more pain, he will be missed dearly.
John was a good guy, called me “Sis” and always laughed at my jokes even when I couldn’t remember the punch lines or told him the same one twice. I returned the favor by laughing at his. I have shared so many good times with John and Jane and made memories that will last forever. He was a person one could count on and always ready to lend a helping hand. He could change a flat tire in the blink of an eye. My deepest sympathy and much love to Jane, to John’s children, his stepchildren, grandchildren, sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. I can’t seem to find the words to say how much I will miss but never forget my buddy, Big (hearted) John Simmons.
John will be missed thoughts and prayers for his family.
Our hearts are broken for you Jane and your family. You are both such wonderful people & I know John will be missed dearly by all. We will never forget how he helped us move those ginormous boulders from Toms house over to ours when we all first moved to Wesley! Both of you are Just such kind hearted down to earth folks. Our thoughts & prayers are with you
Jane,. I just learned of John’s passing. I am.sorry for your loss. Its seems like you had so few years but when you spoke of him you could see how.happy he made you and I’m sure you him. Thinking of you, Patty
Sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. Prayers.