James Hugh Simmons

Major James H. Simmons, USAF Retired, 87, of Dayton, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2017 at his home. He was born October 11, 1929 in Simmons Bottom to his late parents, Guy Simmons and Maggie Grimes Simmons Bailey.

With the exception of the time he spent in the Air Force, Major Simmons lived in the Dayton area all of his life. He retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service.

Maj. Simmons completed Basic Training in 1951 at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. In 1956, five days after completing Officer Candidate School, Maj. Simmons began Pilot Training, spending his first six months at Hondo, Texas and the final six months at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas. Maj. Simmons flew C-124s out of Charleston AFB, South Carolina to destinations in Central and South America, Europe and Asia. While serving in Vietnam in 1966, Maj. Simmons flew the AC-47 Spookie, also known as Puff the Magic Dragon. After his service in Vietnam, Maj. Simmons spent the remainder of his Air Force career as an Intelligence Officer at Barksdale AFB, Bossier City, Louisiana, Anderson AFB, Guam and Offut AFB Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Omaha, Nebraska. Throughout his years of service, Maj. Simmons received numerous commendations and awards including The Distinguished Flying Cross.

After retirement, James enjoyed gardening and traveling. James and his wife Frankie traveled extensively. Favorite trips included a mule ride to the bottom of Grand Canyon, parasailing in Hawaii, road trips to Alaska and a cruise to along the Inside Passage of Alaska.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Louise Garrett Simmons; brother, Gordon Simmons and sister, Gladys White.

Survivors include his wife, Frankie Dave-Simmons; daughters, Deborah Griffin and her husband, John and Jamie Garfield and her husband, Saul; grandchildren, David Casey, Robert Casey and his wife, Amanda, Michael-James Garfield and Remington Hugh Garfield; great-grandchildren, Aedan Casey and Ethan Casey; step-daughter, Deborah Daves Frazier and her husband, Bruce; step-grandchildren, Ashley Williams and her husband, Aron, Heather Frazier and Garrett Frazier and his wife, Hannah; 2 step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jonell Buckels and her husband, Art and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2017 at the funeral home with Rev. Randy Piatt officiating. Burial will follow at Ryan Cemetery in Tarkington with military honors.

Services are under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, 1304 N. Cleveland, Dayton, Texas 77535, 936-258-5300, www.pacestancil.com.