Tributes

James Randolph Simmons, Jr. was born August 10, 1946, the second child of eight children to the late James R. Simmons, Sr. and Gertrude M. Simmons, in League City, Texas. James was reared on Hobbs Road, what is known as the “family street”, where he resided with his immediate family, as well as a multitude of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. James accepted Christ at an early, uniting with the family church, Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, where he has served as a lifetime member, active until his health began to fail. James was a 1965 Graduate of Paul L. Dunbar High School in Dickinson, Texas; where he played football, and played the Tuba in the Dunbar Panther Band. James was a “well-dressed”, always dapper, fun loving man, loved music, and was a great dancer, he was known to family members as “Lil James” and as “T-Haw” to close friends. He was always devoted to the family even before he was a father himself; he never missed a Friday evening bringing his nieces, Camila, Rachel, and LeJuan, $5, a dozen donuts on Saturday morning. James and Elnita Henderson entered into Holy Matrimony June 25, 1982. To this union two children were born, Jaylyn and Jazmine, they were married for twenty years, until he was preceded in death by Elnita in 2012. James was a very devoted family man. He enjoyed and found great pleasure in taking care of his family. He took pride in cooking them great meals, gardening, keeping his yard and grass in excellent condition, and washing his cars and vehicles keeping them in pristine condition. James was employed with BFI/Republic Services/Allied Waste for 28 years until retirement in 2010. His sixteen years of retirement were filled with caring for his beloved grandchildren. He was the ultimate “Paw Paw”, there was never any request from his grandchildren that he would not grant. He ensured that his family had everything they wanted and needed within his power. James was loved dearly by his family and friends and very well known in the League City and Dickinson community. He will be greatly missed by his family, neighbors, friends, and lifetime acquaintances. James fulfilled his assignment and transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at UTMB Jennie Sealy Galveston. James leaves his most cherished memories with his two devoted daughters Jaylyn (Kinsley) Pegues and Jazmine Simmons. Three beautiful grandchildren, Mackenzi, Jaci, and Jameson Pegues all of League City. One sister Lela Simmons Ball, three brothers, Eddie Lee Simmons, Sr. (Dorothy), Melvin Simmons, and Micheal Simmons (Elizabeth) of Dickinson. Devoted Sister in Law, Lois Jones of Texas City; a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Tributes

James Randolph Simmons Jr.

August 10, 1946 - February 24, 2026