John Malcom Simmons – Nov. 15, 1937 – Feb. 20, 2020
John Malcom Simmons, 82, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Feb. 20, 2020.
John was born on Nov. 15, 1937, in Eugene to parents John Milton Simmons and Ruth Marie (Mansell) Simmons.
He graduated from Lowell High School before joining the United States Navy and working with RTC San Diego Company 4006 as a Machinist Mate 2nd Class. He started with Kimwood in 1959, and had a career spanning more than 40 years.
John and Ila May Patterson were married on Jan. 25, 1958, in Las Vegas, Nev. Together they had four children.
John had many varied interests and hobbies, including bowling, square dancing, camping, fishing, hunting, golf, boat and car racing, and card and dice games. He also played multiple musical instruments. John was inducted into the Cottage Grove Speedway Hall of Fame. He loved to spend time with his family. He was a past member of the Elk Lodge and Moose Lodge.
John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ila M. Simmons of Cottage Grove; children Carol (Terry) Smith of North Bend, Mike (Tina) Simmons of Cottage Grove, Sharon (Vic) Parker of Springfield and Jim (Deb) Simmons of Cottage Grove; nine grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carol Dompier of Las Vegas, Nev.
Visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 29 from 6-8 p.m. at Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service will be Monday, March 2 at 11 a.m. at Lane Memorial Gardens. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel in Cottage Grove.
