James Melvin Simmerman's Obituary
James Melvin (Jim) Simmerman passed away on June 17, 2020 at his home in Provo, UT, from heart-related complications. He was born October 18, 1961 in Syracuse, NY, the second child and first son of Eunice Grace Downing & Gerald Melvin “Jerry” Simmerman.
Jim married Wendy D. Simmerman and they adopted 4 children. They were later divorced. He is survived by his children, Grace, Miriam “Mia”, Mercie & Eric, his sister Susan and many close cousins. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Jerry & Eunice, and his younger brothers Steven “Steve” & William “Bill”.
Jim was raised in upstate New York, developing interests in music (percussion in band, worked as a DJ), mechanics and carpentry.
Later he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Idaho Pocatello Mission. Upon his return, he earned an Associate of Applied Sciences from Utah Technical College, with a certificate in Auto Mechanics.
Jim worked as an auto mechanic throughout his professional career, continually adding to his skills and qualifications to become a master mechanic. In recent years he was self-employed, maintaining his own auto repair shop.
Jim was an active outdoorsman and enjoyed scuba diving, snowmobiling, outdoor photography, camping and boating. As a teenager, he earned the Eagle Rank in the Boy Scout organization, and went on to spend much of his adulthood as a scout leader.
He was an Eagle Coach for the local scout council, and obtained his Wood Badge - a demanding course of study that honors leaders for their achievements.
Jim was known and loved for his unselfish service in the community, in his family, and in his church, where he served in many leadership and teaching roles. His family will miss his quiet courage and his testimony of and devotion to his Savior.
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