Obituary of Jeffrey Jay Simmons

On Friday December 1, 2023, we lost a Best Friend, Husband, Father, Papa and Uncle  when Jeff Simmons passed away at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor after a valiant fight. Jeff was born on August 23, 1957 and resided in Sanford with his parents, the late Arlene and Billy Simmons. It was there that he developed a love for all things outdoors; especially hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling and boating.

Jeff Joined the United States Army a short time after graduation, where his love for dogs led him to the position of Military Police and dog handler. He would spend nights sitting guard while serving in Korea. Jeff earned a: Good Conduct Medal; Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman Qualification Badges; and was Honorably Discharged on November 1, 1978.

Jeff then began his VA career as a Police Officer and held several positions before retiring after almost 30 years. His last position being a Medical Equipment Worker (Bio-Med Tech). It was there that Jeff established many lifelong friendships. He also met his wife of 39 years, Laurie and started their life together.

Jeff loved being outdoors, fishing and hunting, including deer off his back porch.  He took yearly salmon fishing trips to the Two-Hearted River with his best fishing buddy, Mark Davis; and seasonal night smelt dipping trips to the Singing Bridge with Steve and Mary.

Later in life he discovered golf and it became his passion, traveling on many guy trips organized by his best man and lifelong friend, Art Fierros. Wives were included in many golf-centered trips and scrambles where numerous special friendships developed.

Jeff channeled his inner race car driver with yearly trips to “Mini on the Mack” and “Mini Takes the States”, with over 1000 Mini Coopers participating.

Lastly, Jeff turned into quite a Horticulturist; and was very proud, enjoying and sharing his crop all year long.

Left to cherish his memory, besides his wife Laurie, are his son Brian, daughter Amanda(Russ), two grandchildren Riley Lynn and Grayson James, brothers and sisters-in-laws: Terry (Barb) Miller; Larry (Sue) Schroeder; Russ Bronson; and Gabe (Judy) Nagy;  Nephews: Matt (Kari), Gregory (Rachel), Forrest (Fran), Logan Miller; Eric (Gena), Andrew (Toni) Schroeder, and Sarah (Chris) Busby; Luke Bronson and Dawn (Ron) Boyle; and Spencer Nagy. Many cousins, friends, and especially three 4-legged friends: Max, Stella, and Bear, who already miss him dearly.

Besides his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his mother and father-in law, Don and Norma Miller, his sister-in law, Jackie Bronson, nephew Mark Miller, and a special aunt and uncle Art and Alice Bitterman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Hyatt-Ewald Funeral Home, 700 N. Monroe Street, Bay City, MI 48708. Visitation with family 10:00 a.m.-1:00p.m., and Service at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Tim Woycik.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the caring, compassionate staff and doctors at University of Michigan Medical Center, 8D North. It was there that a number of staff actually asked to care for Jeff expressing that they never had a more optimistic patient, enjoying his wit and banter and unending belief that he would get better. He told everyone entering and leaving his room to, “Have a Good Day”, and they knew that he meant it!

In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the “Zepher Valve” Program at the U of M.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com