John B. Simkins, 82
Dateline: Attleboro, MA
John B. “Jack” Simkins, age 82, of Attleboro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. He was the beloved husband of Joan A. (Messenger) Simkins, to whom he was wed on September 26, 1959.
Born in Newark, Ohio on May 22, 1936, he was a loving son of the late John and Ruth (Holtschulte) Simkins.
Jack spent his childhood living in Ohio. His family later moved to Norton where he was educated in Norton schools and served as a call firefighter under the late Norton Fire Chief Harold “Hank” Wetherell. He proudly served his country for four years as a member of the United States Navy during the Korean War and upon being honorably discharged took many college courses in business.
A resident of Attleboro since 1963, Mr. Simkins had worked for over thirty years at the Foxboro Co. and retired as a manager of Foreign Exports. Following retirement, he worked at the Crosby Valve and Gage Company in Wrentham and the Henry S. Wolkins Company in Taunton.
Jack was a lifetime member of the Attleboro Knights of Columbus and served as the Chairman of the Attleboro Chapter of the Catholic Guild of the Blind for the Fall River Diocese for fifteen years.
Active in local sports, Jack served on the Board of Directors and Coach for Preteen Sports in Attleboro. He coached Pop Warner Football, served as an umpire and refereed basketball. He had a lifelong passion for fishing and when younger enjoyed playing softball and golf and later in life loved hiking, cross country skiing and spending time at his New Hampshire home.
Jack’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Life Care Center in Attleboro for all the kindness and compassion in caring for him during his recent stay.
In addition to his wife, he is survived his devoted children: Jill A. Belanger and her husband Donald of Attleboro and Mark A. Simkins and his wife Josephine of Attleboro. He was the cherished grandfather of Breanna Belanger, Brandy Belanger and Liam Simkins. He was the dear brother of Ola Salley of Norton, Dale Simkins of California and the late Margaret Charette, David Simkins, Richard Simkins and James Simkins. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend will be held on Monday, January 21st from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 14, Taunton Ave.) Norton.
Military honors will be rendered by the United States Navy at the conclusion of visitation at the funeral home. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, Virginia 22215.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com