James P. Simmons

Jim Simmons, 63, formerly of Wyomissing, passed away on June 23 in California. He was the husband of Teresa Tilton-Simmons, Steamboat Springs, Colo.

He was born in West Reading.

Jim retired from Parish Structural Products Division of Dana Corp., Reading, where he was involved in United Way, WIC and Salvation Army.

He served on the board at Aulenbach Cemetery and was president of the former Wyomissing Fire Company.

Jim was a photographer with photos published in national racing magazines across Canada and Australia. He loved auto racing, sprints, champ cars and drags. His favorite driver was Jud Larson who raced at the former Reading Fairgrounds. He often had movie parties to share old times with his friends in Pennsylvania and California. He hitchhiked all over the country to see races.

Jim's hobbies included owning one of the last cars, the number 40 which he had restored to its original condition, that raced on the beach in Daytona in 1958.

Jim wrote a column for a West Coast paper in Washington. For Inside Racing, he always had the scoop to share with his readers.

Jim once moved to California after seeing the movie, "Endless Summer" in 1965. He was so enamored with California. He loved In & Out burgers. He was a California guy just born on the wrong coast.

Jim loved disco and oldies music, which he played every day. He had a vast collection of records, albums and cassettes. He was devoted to his graduating class of 1961 and was "Mr. Reunion." He loved his school and old classmates. Jim was quick-witted and a prankster who loved to laugh. He always talked about old school days, the Borough of Wyomissing, the shore and football. Everything he did, he did with so much enthusiasm. He loved life.

His sense of fun and generosity will be missed as well as his wealth of happy memories he has left us which will live on in the hearts of many who loved him. Jim was opinionated and straightforward. His greatest wish was that everyone cared for each other.

He is also survived by a son, Michael Tilton, Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Other survivors include two siblings.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. in Pumpernickels, 12 S. Fifth Ave., West Reading. Jim always lived for today. "Live for today 'cause we might not have a tomorrow," was one of Jim's favorite quotes and he did live his life to the fullest.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements.