John Gregory Simmons

Visitation will be held at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 11 at 11:30 a.m., with a funeral mass to follow at 1:00 p.m.

John Gregory was born to Romana and John Terry Simmons on December 2, 1947 — two years after the end of World War II, a true baby boomer. He grew up in the Pinecrest neighborhood of Jasper, AL which was developed by his grandfather, Thomas Russell Simmons, and was teeming with children around his age to play with (five of whom were his first cousins).

John Gregory’s academic career began with attending Anne L. Tutwiler’s nursery school in Jasper, AL, and subsequently attending the 1st grade in Jasper at The Little School, aka “Pay School,” with Mrs. Judson O’Rear as his teacher. He attended the remaining years at Central Elementary School in Jasper, AL when William C. McGowan was Principal of the School. He went on to attend Indian Springs School, where he received an excellent education, played soccer and tennis, and made many dear friends — many of whom attended the same college as him.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington & Lee University in 1969, where he had lots of fun, made many lifelong friends, and also received a good education. He was a member of the soccer team and a very active member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

J.G. graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1973, and remained in New Orleans for five years to complete his Residency in Otolaryngology at Charity Hospital. He returned to his hometown of Jasper in 1978 to go into medical practice with his father, Dr. John Terry Simmons. John Gregory served the community as an ear, nose, and throat surgeon for thirty-six years. He loved his job, his patients, and his co-workers at the hospital.

John Gregory was full of enthusiasm for his many interests, including music, literature, tennis, and hiking. He was an Eagle Scout and supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. An avid reader and bibliophile, he enjoyed selecting First Edition books for his friends based on their personalities and interests.

His passion for learning was evidenced through his devotion to Indian Springs School, where he served on the Board of Governors for 14 years, and was intimately involved in its governance until his death.

John Gregory took great joy in spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was an expert storyteller who enjoyed recalling memorable events with friends.

John is survived by Rene, his devoted wife of 39 years; his daughter, Sarah Simmons (Adam) of San Antonio, TX; his son, John Terry Simmons II, of New Orleans, LA; his daughter, Brooks Steitz (John) of Alexandria, VA; and three grandchildren, Eleanor, Jack, and Russell; sister, Anna Gainer (Hugh); and nephews, Frankie Ellis and Hugh Gainer, Jr. (Holly). He was especially fond of his beloved West Highland Terrier, Daisy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. John Terry Simmons and mother, Romana (Garcia) Simmons.

Honorary pallbearers include Jack Allen, O.H. Brown, Gary Cowen, Mike Drummond, Hoyt Elliott, Jr., Huntley Johnson, Steve Johnson, Burk McWilliams, Jerry Mosley, and Sam Murphy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Walker Area Community Foundation, P. O. Box 171, Jasper, AL 35502; Indian Springs School,190 Woodward Dr., Pelham, AL 35124; and Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, 2159 AL-195, Jasper, AL 35503.