James Michael "Mike" Simmons

Mr. James Michael “Mike” Simmons, age 66, of Cleveland, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

Mike was born on July 5, 1952, in Chicago, IL. Mike grew up in south Georgia, and married Debbie (Cabe) Simmons in 1973. He joined the Gwinnett County Fire Department in 1974, and served the community diligently until he retired in 2001 at the young age of 49. Mike and Debbie raised their two children in Cleveland, GA. Mike took full advantage of retirement and loved to travel. He spent much of his time in Lakeland, FL, at his beloved winter home, enjoying time with his son Jamis and his family. Mike was known by his granddaughters as Poppy, and they were the apple of his eye. When Mike was in Cleveland, or what he called his summer home, he enjoyed being outside and keeping busy. Mike and his daughter, Jenna, enjoyed visiting local restaurants for ‘wing night’ and spending time together. As long as the weather was nice, Mike could be found at his home, regularly working in his yard.  He is loved by many, and his eccentric zest for life and charismatic sense of humor will be missed by all.

Survivors include wife of 46 years, Debbie Simmons, Cleveland; daughter and son-in-law, Jenna and Drew Harris, Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, Jamis and Leslie Simmons, Lakeland, FL; grandchildren, Averie Simmons and Josie Simmons, Lakeland, FL; and brother, Wayne Simmons, Murrayville.

Mike’s wishes were to be cremated and have a private family service.

To share a memory or condolence, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.