Jim Simmonds 72, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2019, at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater, Florida.
Jim was born March 24, 1947, in West Ham, London, the son of James D. Simmonds and Margaret McGarrity. He was the only son of 5 children. He was the loving husband of Jean Simmonds for 40 years.
Jim was raised in London and Cheshire, UK, and throughout his life he loved electronics, photography, sailing, and most of all, being a family man. Jim founded a successful stairlift manufacturing company in the UK with his brother-in-law Chris Whyman. He spent the majority of his life living in the North East of England. Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Windermere in the UK were two of his favorite places. He loved to go for a walk on the beach in Saltburn or for a hike up Orrest Head in Windermere.
In 2015 Jim and Jean moved to the United States to be closer to their daughter Ruth and her family, Jeff, Oliver, and Jack. They spent three wonderful years making memories in Howard County, Maryland, before retiring to Winter Garden, Florida, to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Jim was a well respected, kind, and gracious man. He was so proud of his family and their accomplishments, especially his children Ruth, Mike and Jimmy. His grandchildren, Mark, Paul, Lee, William, Oliver and Jack, and his great-grandchildren, Blair and Olivia, brought him so much joy and happiness. He also had a very special bond with his sister and brother-in-law, Mandy and Chris Whyman, and their children, Sam and Joe. Sam and Joe were a huge part of his life and were like sons to him.
Jim is survived by his wife Jean Simmonds of Winter Garden, FL, and his 3 children, Ruth Grasty of Clarksville, MD; Mike Simmonds of Whitstable, UK; and Jimmy Simmonds of Sevenoaks, UK.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden on August 17, 2019, from 11:00 am followed by a celebration of life at their home.
The family would appreciate memorial contributions for cardiac care in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made by mailing a check to the following address:
Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation
1200 Druid Road South
Clearwater, FL 33756
Or you can use the website.: https://mpmfoundation.org/index.php/donate/tribute-giving
The family wishes to thank all the doctors and nurses for the wonderful care he received at Morton Plant Hospital.
Jim’s funeral arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations,
1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, Florida 34787