Biography: James Edward Simmons, Sr., AMCS, USN, RET., was born on August 16, 1924, in Dozier, Alabama. He passed away Friday, May 13, 2011. He is preceded by wife Rose parents,?J.D.?Simmons and Thelma Marie Sport; and daughter, Barbara Knox. He is survived by his wife, Maude Watkins Simmons; daughter, Bonita Ridgeway; sons, James Edward, Jr., and Tom Stringfield; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. ?Jim?, ?Daddy?, ?Papa? was a proud US Navy WWII Veteran. He entered the Navy in 1940 and was stationed aboard the USS Hornet, CV-8, in the Pacific Theater. The Hornet ?A Ship to Remember?, launched the Doolittle Raid, fought the Battle of Midway, and was sunk at the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands in October 1942. After 23 years of faithful service,Jim retired in 1964, a Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic. Papa loved working with his hands; wood-worker, gardener, mechanic. He volunteered with the Arkansas Arts Center and the Little Rock Air Force Base. He was a devoted husband, loving father and Papa; a true gentleman, loved by all who knew him. We will miss him dearly. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Arkansas Heart Hospital for their care and concern for Jim and his family during these last few weeks. Visitation will be at Ruebel Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady Of The Holy Souls Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial with military honors at Pinecrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The United States Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Ste. 123, Washington, D.C. 20004-2608 or a charity of choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com