Services for James Burk Simmons will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at Rocky Mount CM Church with Brother Donnie Paul Lewing and Rev. Adren Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Rocky Mount Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 5 pm-9 pm at Rocky Mount CM Church.

James Burk Simmons, 73, passed away at his home Saturday, September 29, 2012. He was born October 9, 1938 to the late Henry Simmons and Virginia Dare (Dowden) Simmons of Natchitoches. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Dock Simmons, Bon Kirk Simmons, Ray Simmons; sisters: Musett Manasco, Stella Slaid, Myrtle Jennings, Jessie Smith, Dessie Woodel, Lillie Heister; and granddaughter, Kimberly Michelle Simmons.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathleen Simmons of Robeline; brother, Hubert Simmons and wife Burma; son, Victor Simmons of Palestine, TX; daughter, Tammy Smith and husband Deric of Natchitoches; grandchildren: James Simmons, Todd Simmons, Carita Simmons, Cody Smith, and Shannon Smith; two great grandchildren: Joey Lynn Smith and Kayo Smith; and many brothers and sisters in Christ.

Burk graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1957 and joined the Army. He served for 21 years, fought in the Vietnam War and retired in Provencal in 1987. He was a faithful member and deacon of Rocky Mount CM Church for over 34 years. Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be: Billy Bonds, Butch Wade, Craig Wade, Joel Mitchell, Tyler DuBois, Randy Broadway, Venice Mitchell and Daren Simmons. Honorary pallbearers will be Dalton DuBois and Garrett Bonds.