Jackie Linn Simmons, 74, of Wallace passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at the home of Gerald and Dana Harvey, his loving friends.
He was born July 24, 1945, at Crawfordsville, to Joyce Irene Simmons.
Jackie graduated from the last class at Wallace High School in 1963 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. He worked in maintenance at Raybestos in Crawfordsville for around 50 years. He was a member of the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department for 51 years and reached the rank of Master Firefighter, a member of the Tri County Fire Department, the Byron Cox American Legion Post 72, the Muzzleloader Association and a member of The Spirit of Aviation.
He had his pilot’s license and flew many trips out of Wilson Field, flying his Champ aircraft or an ultralight. He loved the outdoors, loved to fish and hunt, listened to country western music, loved riding ATV’s, fly model airplanes and loved local history. If he wasn’t hanging out with Nick Ellingwood at the Model T Garage, he could be found sitting at the round table or the pew out front of the Wallace Café. He was loved by the entire community and will be dearly missed by many.
He is survived by his cousins, Erma Jane Barlow, Lisa Pryor and Betsy Weems; and many other cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Simmons; his grandfather, Claude Simmons; an uncle, Carl (Allice) Simmons; an aunt, Virginia Taylor; and his beloved dog, Rocky.
There will be a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26 at the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department in Wallace, with military rites by the National Guard and the Bryon Cox Legion 72 Honor Guard. There will be a plaque presentation and fire truck parade honoring his 51 years of service and a fly over to salute his memory. Everyone is invited to the fire house for a late lunch to share stories.
Sanders Funeral Care entrusted with care.
Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com.
