Jack L. Simmonds
(November 10, 1953 - May 1, 2023)
Jack L. Simmonds(November 10, 1953 - May 1, 2023)
May 1st was an incredibly difficult day in the universe as we learned that our beloved friend, Class of 1971, Jack Simmonds passed unexpectedly. Please lift up his son, Josh, and his daughter, Lindsey as they mourn their profound loss that we share.
I've known Jack since Durand-Eastman days. When I look at the photo his family chose to share I can see that cute little kid with the beautiful blue eyes, enviable hair, and contagious joyful smile shining through. He was so talented as evident in the early days with his tap dancing on Skipper Sam which he always took some ribbing for, his passion for music, performing, and his WSAY days. As I write this I am listening to his favorite Beatles which always remind me of him now even more.
Jack often said he was raised at the North Pole by Mr. and Mrs. Claus aka Polly and Sy guided by faith, charity and love in the best neighborhood. He cherished his big brother, Addie, and always looked up to him.
Jack certainly was a gift to all of us lucky enough to cross his path. No one left his side without feeling loved like chosen family. His sense of humor and wit was legendary as we laughed sometimes to the point of tears at his antics. His stories were the best especially lately the sweet Mr. Jack Magic Bus interactions with his kindergartners driving for Hilton. Even they understood how special he was setting the tone for starting and ending each day enveloped by the unconditional love and unwavering support of an old softy. The same held true for Josh and Lindsey's friends. Tears of gratitude would easily come to him.
His little piece of paradise, The Ponderosa, welcomed all humans and creatures. He found great peace there and was so proud of it. That is where he took his last breath surrounded by the place he loved on earth most.
Our Jack freely shared with us how important we were to him with a hug, a sweet facebook post, etc. but always with his trademark TTM&B. We can learn lessons from that. We will pay them forward to future generations giving Jack eternal life.
I remember the eulogy he gave when Journalism teacher, Alice Webster died. The words were perfect and her family so touched as were all of us in attendance. At the end he said, "Save me a seat."
I can clearly picture Jack reunited with Polly, Sy, and Addie in the North Pole section of Heaven. I can also picture him in the seat Alice saved for him as they are writing for Heaven's newspaper.
I leave you with some Beatles lyrics Jack aspired to live every day: "The love you make is equal to the love you take."
TTM&B my forever chosen family friend.
Hilton - Jack L. Simmonds, born November 10th 1953, passed away May 1st, 2023 at age 69. Jack is predeceased by his parents, Pauline and Adrian Simmonds; as well as his brother, Adrian Simmonds; and several loving Aunts and Uncles. He is survived by his children, Joshua Simmonds and Lindsey Simmonds; his sister-in-law, Linda Simmonds; and a remarkable cast and crew of friends, extended family and honorary “kids” who looked at him as a best friend, mentor and second father.
Jack worked for years in software engineering, but his true love was always music, specifically classic rock, and most notably The Beatles. He not only played in several bands, including a band with his brother and father, but he also worked as a popular radio DJ at WSAY 1370am in his 20's. Jack always considered this his favorite job, and continued a close friendship with all of his colleagues and listeners to the present day, on his social media page, “I remember WSAY.” Jack spent his final years semi-retired and driving a school bus for the Hilton Central School District. He expressed regularly that this was the first job he’d held since radio that felt so rewarding. Amongst all things and possessions that Jack treasured most, nothing was more important than his home of 30 years in Hilton, “The Ponderosa”. Jack was a remarkable father and will be remembered for his unconditional love, incredible humor and wit, and willingness to do anything for his family and friends.
Friends and family will gather for a public Celebration of Life in the future. Details will be shared on social media after a time and date have been determined.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hilton Alumni Association, P.O. Box 351 Hilton, New York 14468 in memory of Jack.
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