James was born June 30, 1937, In Sioux Falls, SD, to Everett and Dorothy (Cottingham) Simmons. He graduated from Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, SD, in 1955 where he excelled in sports, which he enjoyed his entire life, and was crowned Homecoming King. James served in the US Army, 82nd Airborne, as a Paratrooper Medic out of Ft. Bragg, NC. He loved hunting, all things rodeo, had a passion for horses, and was very patriotic.

James Everett Simmons, 78, Rapid City, died Saturday, April 9, 2016, at the Department of Veteran's Affairs, Ft Meade.

James is survived by 5 children, Linda (Vince) Romo, Steve (Toni) Simmons, Russ (Cindy) Simmons, Lisa (Steve) Blackman, and Jill (Tim) Stumpf; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Simmons; one sister, Jean Sunvold; and a long-time companion, Barb Denton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Dorothy Simmons; and one sister, Joanne Lauer.

Graveside services with military honors will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Rev. David Baer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like a donation in James's honor to the Sturgis High School Rodeo Club, 21749 Coyote Lane, Piedmont, SD 57769.