Obituary of James Simmons

Jim passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026 at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon with his family by his side. He was born in Minnedosa on May 28, 1938 to parents Ernie and Bessie Simmons and grew up on the family farm near Bethany.

Jim met Pat when she came to teach in Shilo and they were married in Mafeking on July, 1978. Their son Marty was born in 1982, completing his family of three sons: Mark, Jason and Marty.

Early schooling was in Bethany with his grade 12 being completed in Minnedosa. After graduation, Jim attended a one year Teacher Training Class at what was then known as Brandon College and at the age of 19, began his teaching career at Lakelet, a one room school north of Clanwilliam where he taught grades one to nine. This was the very same school where his mother had taught. He remained there for four years but it was at this time that rural schools were being closed and the students absorbed into larger schools so Jim went back to university and obtained his first degree, a B.A. in 1964.

Armed with new qualifications, he obtained a position teaching high school in CFB Shilo. Jim was very motivated to learn and during his time there, he continued on with his education, earning a B. Ed. in 1967, an M. Ed. in 1976 and an M. A. in 1984. He also took on more and more responsibility, from Vice-Principal to Principal to Supervising Principal of the whole system. Shilo Schools were transferred from DND to the Brandon School Division in 1994 so it was at this point, Jim took early retirement.

After retirement, Jim continued being involved in Education as he truly enjoyed teaching. He substitute taught, and also supervised student teachers in their Field Placements. In the 1999-2000 academic year, he served as Acting Director of Field Experience in the Faculty of Education. Prior to this he also taught courses there.

After retirement as well, Jim became part of a team that did assessments of school systems in reserve communities and thoroughly enjoyed travelling to these remote areas, passing on his knowledge gained by many years of experience.

Jim was a “people person”, very outgoing and personable. He thoroughly enjoyed talking to people and during his many stays in the hospital, he would strike up conversations with the medical personnel. He never complained, even when it was obvious he was having difficulties or in pain. Not too many people could walk for three days with a broken hip with only the comment that it was a bit stiff! He remained the same kind, understanding and patient person that he had always been.

Jim was a wonderful family man - a loving son, brother, husband and father. He had many friends and didn’t hesitate to pitch in if anyone needed help. He played hockey and baseball as a youth, football at Brandon College and then floor hockey once he arrived in Shilo. He curled in the regular league as well as attended many bonspiels in the rural areas. He took up golf later on and thoroughly enjoyed golf jaunts with his buddies.

With all of his people skills, Jim was a natural to be an asset to service clubs. He was a charter member of the Shilo Men’s Club and after moving to Brandon, joined the Elks, the Optimists and Habitat for Humanity taking an executive position in each of them. He was a long-time member of St. George’s Church and served on the vestry.

Jim loved being outdoors. Summers were spent camping as well as gardening and helping his brother on the family farm. He and Pat loved to travel and during the winter, would spend time in various areas of Mexico. They also were lucky to travel in Europe and Asia. There were many other places that were on his list that unfortunately he never got to see as he was no longer able to travel.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and brothers Bill and Don. He leaves to treasure his memory his wife Pat and sons Mark (Dara), Jason (Magda) and Marty (Kaley). He will be fondly remembered by his friends, former colleagues and his many students.