James Earl Simonds, 72, of the Alarka Community surrounded by his loved ones and friends slipped into eternity July 19, 2022. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late James Walter and Margaret Louise Moore Simonds.
He attended Mt. Vernon Freewill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his nephew, David Michael Simonds; grandparents, Bill and Alice Moore and Grover and Catherine Simonds.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Kathy Simonds; children, Kristi Watty (Stephen), Christy Martin (Daryl), Patrick Kirkland (Amanda); honorary daughter, Sarah Kirkland; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren and another on the way; sister, Marilee Myer (Ray); step mother, Jennie Simonds; brother, David Larry Simonds (Anna); uncle, John Simonds; and multiple nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Friday at Mt. Vernon Freewill Baptist Church. Revs. Jerry Orr and Chris Nations officiated with burial in the Brendle Hill Cemetery.
The family received friends from 12 to 2 pm Friday at the church.
Pallbearers were Jerry Bowers, Brian Bowers, Scotty Bowers, Josh Crisp, Andrew Cable and Doug Cochran. Gene Richmond was an honorary pallbearer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Merkel Cell Carcinoma Fund at give.uwmedicine.org