John E. Simms, 98, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 in Jacksonville, FL. He was born April 25, 1918 to Leroy and Francis Simms in Titusville, FL. John loved to travel and go camping. Another of his favorite pastimes was to tell stories. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and he was a volunteer at the Maritime Museum in Jacksonville. John is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Frances Rebecca Skinner and his wife of 63 years, Martha. He is survived by his son Robert Simms, two sisters Mary and Lorna, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A visitation for friends will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 1:30-2:00pm at Hardage-Giddens Town & Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. Funeral services to start at 2:00pm with interment to follow at Riverside Memorial Park.
