Jimmy Clyde Simmons (1956-2025), 69, passed away on August, 3rd, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington. Jimmy passed after years of enduring metastatic prostate cancer.

Jimmy was born on March 2nd, 1956, in Kingstown, St. Vincent. He was born to Betty and Clyde Simmons. He immigrated to America when he was twelve and they lived in Brooklyn then Queens, New York. After graduating from Wingate high school, he joined the Air Force. He thought he was being stationed in Washington D.C., but found himself at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington. There, he met Diane Young who was a popcorn girl at the movie theater on the base. They got married and had Jimmena, Tyrone Andre Clyde, and Isaiah. He was also Dad to David and Miriam.

After his military service, Jimmy learned computer programming at Bates Technical school. He used those skills as a mainframe programmer working for various companies including Hoffman-La Roche and Deloitte & Touche while living on the East Coast. When he returned to Washington, he worked for various state agencies including the Employment Security Department and the Department of Licensing. You can thank him for writing the code that helped to create the license plate numbers in Washington.

After retirement, Jimmy’s greatest and favorite work was babysitting his grandchildren Romelo and CeCe, including diaper changes. He looked forward to having breakfast and snacks prepared including tomatoes for Snooks(CeCe).

Jimmy was an audiophile. He would spend his time tweaking various sound systems to listen to music and watch movies. He was always an early adopter of technology including items like the microwave, beta-max, compact discs, 3D projectors, you name it, Jimmy was one of the first to try new technology for the benefit and enjoyment of his family.

Jimmy will be remembered for his love of Jesus Christ, his generosity, and his adoration of his children and grandchildren who lovingly called him Poppy. He loved to spend time creating memories taking us swimming, row-boating, watching movies, ferry-rides, listening to music, and simply spending time together.

Jimmy is survived by Diane; his children: Jimmena (Bill) Wright, Tyrone Andre Clyde, Isaiah, David, Miriam; his grandchildren: Benjamin, Abraham, Gabriel, CaraMia Wright; Romelo, Citlali(Snooks/CeCe) Simmons; Oloyelei (Baby Baby), OmniaAsta (Baby Baby Chunk) Dunston. He also leaves behind his mother, Betty; siblings: Rawle(Kay), Andre, Gaynelle Ward, Cheryl (Brian) Watson, Tyrone, Miko (Ray) Jones; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Clyde, and grandson Solomon Wright.

A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at 10:30 am, at Shiloh Baptist Church- 1211 S I St, Tacoma, WA.

His memory lives on in every beat of music he loved, every laugh he inspired, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.