New Bedford - James “Jimbo” Simmons, 58, of New Bedford died unexpectedly, Monday, January 29, 2007 at his home recovering from injuries he suffered in a recent automobile accident.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Manuel and Irene (Macedo) Simmons. He is survived by 2 daughters: Erica Simmons of Dartmouth and Kelly Simmons of Levittown, NY, a son: James , Jr. of New Bedford and a sister: Joanne Almeida of CO. He was also the brother of the late Manuel Simmons, Jr.
Jim was the president of the Hands Across the River Coalition, a local environmental activist group that was formed to cleanup and stop the pollution of the Acushnet River. The groups effort grew to take on and assist many other environmental issues. He thought globally and acted locally and was very proud of his groups local and national achievements and accolades, including being inducted into the Grass Roots Hall of Fame, awarded the Resolutions Honor from the Massachusetts House of Representatives for being the foremost environmental watchdog group involved in the City of New Bedford and its Region.
He was a passionate man with an infectious laugh who was always quick to make a joke.
Jim attended Dartmouth High School where he lettered in Varsity Football. Growing up his hobbies included football, basketball, boxing, motorcycles, bowling and playing the drums. He served as a Little League coach in the early 90’s for the Whaling City Little League where he also helped construct and weld the security gates on the field house.
He will be dearly missed by his friends, family and the City of New Bedford.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend:
Memorial service at the First Unitarian Church in Fairhaven at 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 2, 2007 with a reception to follow at the Poirier Post V.F.W. on Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.
Calling hours are respectfully omitted.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hands Across the River Coalition (HARC) c/o The James Simmons Fund , New Bedford Federal Credit Union, 1150 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740 and 120 Dawson St, New Bedford, MA 02745.