Jim Simms “enlisted in the Air Force in 1950. He completed Aviation Cadet training and received his commission in 1953. He was a tactical fighter pilot until February 1977 at which time he retired from Bergstrom AFB. He had a number of overseas assignments including England, Germany, Greece, North Africa, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Korea. “
James J. Simms, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on January 4, 2010.
Lt. Col. James Simms passed away on Monday, January 4, 2010 at the age of 80. Jim is survived by his sister, Jo Ann Williams of Leavenworth, Kansas; wife of 55 years, Jean R. Simms of Austin; daughter, Janice Monaco and grandsons, Chris and Matt Bading of Portland, Oregon; daughter, Katherine Simms of Austin; daughter, Karen Shields and granddaughters, Kristin and Avery Hastings of Houston, Texas.
Jim was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on August 1929. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1950. He completed Aviation Cadet training and received his commission in 1953. He was a tactical fighter pilot until February 1977 at which time he retired from Bergstrom AFB. He had a number of overseas assignments including England, Germany, Greece, North Africa, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Korea. Jim was accompanied by his family on most of those assignments.
He received numerous awards and decorations during his military service. He was most proud of the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, The Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf clusters and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star.
After retiring from the Air Force, Jim worked for Covert Buick as warranty manager for fifteen years.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed with a Memorial Mass on Friday, January 8, 2010, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church 4800 Convict Hill Rd., Austin, Texas.
Burial will be at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. The Family wishes to express a special note of appreciation to Hospice Austin and to Dr. F. C. Smith for their special care and concern. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 7000, El Segundo, California 90245, or the Wounded Warrior Project.org
