Mr. James Oscar Simmons

Mr. James O. Simmons of Tampa, FL passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026. A Homegoing Service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Allen Temple AME Church, 2101 N. Lowe Street, Tampa, FL 33605.  The service will be livestreamed through the Allen Temple AME Church website (https://www.allentempletampa.org) or the church Facebook page.  Interment will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513. 

Mr. Simmons was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for twelve (12) years.  After accepting an honorable discharge, he began his career in the Social Service field.  He attended Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida.  He received his Bachelor of Technology Degree in Labor Relations from Florida International University.

He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pinellas County Urban League from 1977-2004, until his retirement. He again served the affiliate in 2007 as Interim President & CEO during the search for a new CEO. He was a member of the National Urban League Academy of Fellows and the Quarter Century Club.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Hunter Simmons, sister, Myrtle Heidelberg; daughter, Pamela Simmons; son, Reginald Simmons; and grandson, Reginald Simmons, Jr.

Mr. Simmons leaves to mourn: his loving wife, Betty J. Simmons; daughter, Gail Simmons;  son, Oscar Simmons III, daughter-in-law, Deborah Simmons; stepson, Keith Daniel (Rochelle); stepdaughter, Gracie Daniel;  grandchildren, Michael Simmons, Alaina Gibson (Sterling), and Melody Hancock-Simmons; great grandchildren, Ayanna Simmons, Kynsey Gibson and Karsyn Gibson; nieces and nephews, Carolyn Avent, Charles Avent (Valerie) and Rodney Avent (Debra) and a host of relatives and friends.  

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Allen Temple AME Church, 2101 N. Lowe Street, Tampa FL 33605.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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