James S. Simmons

James S. Simmons 58, of Bedford, known as Jim, Jimmy, or Jimbo, fought until the very end and is finally at peace and restoration with the Lord, leaving this earth on April 15, 2024.  Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY, on August 19, 1965, son of Thomas & Roberta and brother to Tommy & Robert, he spent his youngest years taking in all of The Big Apple, often referring back to a childhood filled with neighborhood kids and shenanigans.

Jim started his adult life in Bedford, after falling in love with his beloved wife, his one true love, his best-friend and favorite person, Stacey, married for 37 years. Hearing him retell his story of how a city boy fell in love, at first sight, with a country girl, was by far a favorite. Together, they grew and built a beautiful life and had two daughters, Dusti wife of Buddy VanMeter and Shanda wife of Joshua Semsick. Jim never missed an opportunity to help mentor and guide his girls, often giving them the most valuable life talks, and shared many laughs, while dancing with his girls in the kitchen. Jim took great pride in being Poppy/Bop to his grand-children Xavier, Brody, Whiautt, Waylon, Forrest, and Dagny.

Jim and Stacey went on many adventures, both near and far, and made the most amazing memories even, during an ordinary day. Jim, an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, shared a passion for horses with his wife, Stacey and loved fishing. The one place you could find Jim the happiest was at his family’s get-togethers. He enjoyed his family filled with musicians, often singing along with his brothers-in-law, Glenn Smith and Mark Bollman and sisters-in-law, Chris Bollman & Bea Smith. Jim loved his nieces and nephews Kristopher husband of Erika, Kirstie wife of Dwaine, Marc husband of Libby, and James. He had two great-nephews, Koen and Kash, and three great-nieces, Bennet, Lyrik, and Ciara.

One of Jim’s greatest passions and accomplishments was his career at BRP, where he was employed for over 29 years. He started on the floor as a young man and grew his passion and dedication into taking the role as Sales Manager. Through the years his dedication afforded him to travel and see many destinations in the US and helped him close a deal on the famous Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.  One of Jim's bucket list items was to be a motivational speaker. Anyone, who knew Jim, knew he had an unmatched & captivating talent for storytelling. Jim fought a long and hard battle with Front Temporal Dementia with Stacey, by his side, each step of the way. He is, finally, reunited with another one of his favorite people. After bonding over ripped jeans and fishing tournaments, Jim’s late mother-in-law, Connie Smith, welcomed him with open arms into his next journey. Jim’s legacy and strength will live on through his wife, his girls, family and friends. He will be eternally missed!

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Pastor Tim Guyer officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park.  Friends will be received on Thursday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.