The Life and Legacy of
James Albert Simmons
To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the Heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

James Albert Simmons (Jim) was born in Elliston, VA, on October 1, 1939, to the late Berkeley William and Evelyn (Taylor) Simmons. James was the second of six children born to this union. James began and completed his primary education in Elliston, VA. However, he finished high school in 1959 at Christiansburg Institute, which was the only secondary school for African Americans in Montgomery County, VA., during segregation. His trade at the time was barbering. James went on to learn and master many trades, including brick masonry, auto body mechanics, and others. He worked for Norfolk and Southern Railroad as a Machinist, retiring in 2004. James was a "master" of all trades, in which he became a successful entrepreneur in each of them. As he was affectionately called by all who knew him, Jim owned and operated Jim's Barber Shop and Jim's Auto Body Shop; additionally, he worked on numerous construction projects throughout the Roanoke Valley and New River Valley. Among other projects, his excellent talents allowed him to build his own house and eventually add an addition to it to accommodate his expanding family. In early 1960, James left the Southwestern Virginia area as he pursued work and further barber training in Philadelphia, only to return shortly afterward because he couldn't bear to be apart from the lovely young lady who would soon become his wife. On December 25, 1962, James married his sweetheart, the love of his life, Lola Diane Smith, in a small ceremony. Five children were born from this union, four sons and one daughter. Jim was a fantastic husband and father who cared deeply for his family and provided well for them. He was a terrific family man. He was incredibly involved in the lives of his children and instilled in each one his fantastic work ethic and tenacity, as well as being and doing your absolute best at getting the job done. Jim thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You'd often see him on the floor playing with them as they affectionately called him "Granddad" or "Popa."In 1988, James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was scripturally baptized in 1997, becoming a charter member of the Victory Independent Baptist Church. His eldest son, Pastor Ken, had the opportunity to lead James to Christ, baptize him, and disciple him. James loved his church and church family. He was very consistent in supporting his church and its ministries. James became incredibly involved as a trustee and in many other areas, taking charge of widening and remodeling the pulpit area and remodeling the fellowship hall, preparing it for operation as a daycare. Jim was an excellent testimony for Christ! He always shared the Gospel with clients, friends, and others alike. He always had a stack of Gospel tracts to give out at his barber shop and body shop. Jim loved helping people. He had a generous and loving but firm spirit. Jim was a great encourager and mentor to many, full of wisdom. James was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching his favorite NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his college team, Virginia Tech. James, the outdoorsman, thoroughly enjoyed camping with his young family, fishing, hunting, and road trips on his Harley Davidson with his beautiful bride. He once said that he would pack his bags if she ever decided to leave him because he was going with her. James had a divine appointment that he had to keep, and so, on the morning of Tuesday, March 18, 2025, around 7 a.m., surrounded by his wife and children, he kept that appointment. James went to His Heavenly Home to be with His Lord! James was preceded in death by his parents, whom he led to the Lord; three brothers, Chauncey, Richard, and Ed; and one grandson, Mitchell Peters. James leaves to cherish his memory, his beautiful wife of 62 years, Lola Diane Simmons; four sons, Pastor Kenneth T. Simmons (Patricia) of Indian Trail, NC, Danny A. Simmons (former wife, Sheila) of Elliston, VA, Anthony Simmons (Shanna) of Wytheville, VA & Darren "Snap" S. Simmons (Heather) of Roanoke, VA; one daughter, Diane D. Simmons of Roanoke, VA; one brother, Berkeley Simmons, Jr. (Vivian) of Elliston, Va; two sisters, Ruby Simmons Wade of Roanoke, VA & Hazel Simmons Taylor (Jerome), of New River Valley, VA; eight grandchildren, Danny Albert II, James Alexander (Justice), Tamara Nechelle, Karlie Ann (Jason Diggs), Jeremiah Kenneth, Rachel Michelle, Lola Marie & London; seven great-grandchildren, Yuri, Titus, Sage, Grayden, Aubree, Isaiah, & Elijah; and a host of in-laws, (including Clifford (Helen), David (Joyce), James, Clotiel, Alethea & Adaline.) nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.