Jay Francis Simmons

Jay Francis Simmons, 78, of Danville, passed this life at 2:34 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2009 into the arms of his savior at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. Jay was born on August 8, 1931, in Leroy, Illinois, the son of Floyd Calvin and Francis C. (Wilson) Simmons. He married Myrna Gerri Edmonds on June 17, 1964 in Lordsburg, New Mexico. She survives. He is also survived by one son- Jeff Simmons of Edwardsburg, Michigan; two daughters- Donna (Jon) Ranheim of Forest City, Iowa and Dee (Marty) Janzen of Chesapeake, Virginia; six grandchildren- Joshua Jay Boots of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Shandelynn Marie Boots, Jessica Raye Janzen both of Chesapeake, Virginia and Amanda Leigh Simmons- United States Army, Johnna Elizabeth Simmons and Jeffrey Allen Simmons Jr. both of Tilton; one great-grandchild- Ethan J. Rowe (expected in March); very special friends- Yancey and Sarah Trover and their daughter Emmalee of Danville, Mel and Phyllis White of Ridge Farm, Willie Williamson of Danville and Richard and Joann Grissom of Charleston, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers- John, Raymond and Billy; and one sister- Shirley. Jay served in the United States Air Force for 23 years, serving in Vietnam and the Korean War. He retired from Grissom Air Force Base in Peru, Indiana as a Master Sergeant. He received numerous awards and medals for his service. Jay was very patriotic and loved his country. He worked for 20 years at the VA Hospital in the boiler plant, until he retired in 1994. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Jays church family meant a lot to him. He was an avid Cubs fan, clock collector and enjoyed bowling and gardening. He was a beloved husband, doting father and grandfather. A Celebration of the Life of Jay Francis Simmons will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, with Pastor Phil Summerford officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial and committal service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday in Danville National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church 2533 Perrysville Road Danville, Illinois 61834. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.