Simmons, Dr. James Elwood

February 11, 1931 - 2015

Elwood attended Oklahoma State University and received a B.S. in Agriculture and Master in Education. Elwood started the VoAg programs in Omaha, including both high school and some junior high programs. He advocated for diversity, welcoming students of all ethnicities and included the first female FFA member in the nation. After teaching Vocational Agriculture in Litchfield, NE and Omaha Public Schools, he completed a doctorate in education and taught at K-State and Middle TN State University. He and Sharon returned to Oklahoma in the late 1980s where he taught at Redlands College. Dr. Simmons retired as Superintendent for Merritt School near Elk City, OK in 1996 and he and Sharon returned to El Reno until health considerations forced a move to Texas in 2007. Elwood served in the U.S. Marines and Reserves through 1968. He and Sharon were married in the El Reno First Christian Church on August 24, 1951. They were active supporters of the Church, the Canadian County Democratic Party, and the Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association. Survivors include his wife Sharon Simmons; two daughters, Cheryl Simmons and wife Donna Beggs of Ft. Worth, TX and Sharonelle Simmons of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren, Jaman Cerutti and Joya Cerutti both of Phoenix, and step grandchild, Jennifer and husband Will Root and a step great-grandson, Grayson Root, all of Troy, ID.

FUNERAL SERVICES were held at 2pm Saturday, June 20, 2015 in El Reno, OK.

Memorials may be made to Russell Murray Hospice (El Reno) or the El Reno First Christian Church.