James P. Simms

Funeral services for James Presley Simms (Papa), 73, of Diboll, Texas will be held Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jon Green officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mr. Simms was born September 10, 1944 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Ruth (Wright) and John Thomas Simms, and died Monday, July 9, 2018 at his residence.

Mr. Simms was a lifetime resident of Diboll. He served in the U.S. Navy and was employed at First Bank & Trust East Texas for more than 40 years. Mr. Simms served as Mayor of Diboll for 22 years and was on the Diboll City Council for 12 years prior to that. He attended First Baptist Church Diboll. He was a recipient of the Diboll Day Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. Mr. Simms served as a school board member at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School, coached little league in Diboll for several years, and was involved with many other organizations in Diboll. He was an avid outdoorsman who was happiest spending time at his deer lease with his grandson.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Kathy (Trout) Simms of Diboll; daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Craig Parker of Magnolia; grandson, James Wiley Parker of Magnolia; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Georgann and Wayne Nash of Diboll, Betty Jean and Johnny Purvis of Lufkin, and Dorothy Simms of Galena Park; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Nick and Nancy Trout of Lufkin and Jimmy and Mavis Trout of Diboll; special friends, Robert and Diane Connor of Diboll; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lillian, Bernice, Ruby and Rachel; brothers, John, Samuel and Eugene; and sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and Kenneth Clark and Susan Jenkins.

Pallbearers will be John Hodge, Toby Smith, Keith Dover, Gary Dover, Beau Price and Todd Horton.

Honorary pallbearers will be the remaining members of the Wilcox Ranch Hunting Club.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Diboll, 208 Devereaux Street, Diboll, Texas 75941.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.