James Edwin "Jimmy" Simons

On Thursday afternoon, October 2, 2025, UGPD SPO III James Edwin Simons answered his final call. 43 years old, Jimmy courageously battled cancer for six years. He passed away peacefully at home in Jefferson, GA, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jimmy was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Augusta, GA at 12:35a.m. on New Years Day 1982. He grew up in Woodville, GA and was salutatorian of the 2000 graduating class of Bethel Christian School. Jimmy furthered his education at the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He exemplified remarkable tenacity by working to finance his studies without accepting the aid of grants or funding.

This same independent spirit followed him throughout the rest of his life. Jimmy completed the Northeast Georgia Police Academy and gained employment with the University of Georgia Police Department. Despite questioning if he had made the correct career choice at first, he fell in love with his job and served UGPD for 20 years, working his last shift just a few weeks prior to his death.

In recognition of his outstanding commitment, Jimmy was honored to receive over twenty awards, including the Uniformed Officer of the Year eight times; received the Command Staff Award twice; earned top distinction of the Police Department’s Overall Employee of the Year four times. Derrick Gregory and Jimmy were presented a Medal of Valor by former Chief Jimmy Williamson for their heroic action of running into a burning fraternity house, which resulted in all twenty two residents being saved. Their brave action also earned them the Governor’s Public Safety Award which was presented by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.

He loved Halloween and was appreciative of his nursing staff at PARMC for arranging an early Halloween party for his family. Jimmy was an avid baseball card collector who was continuously looking for the next best one. He enjoyed spending downtime watching basketball, golf, and football. Jimmy’s love of basketball began when he played in high school, and he was an avid fan of Shaquille O'Neal. One of his recent proudest moments was a FaceTime call with Shaq.

He never missed an opportunity to pull a prank on someone or make people laugh. His most proud accomplishment was his family. Jimmy was a dedicated husband to Jessica and he devoted himself to being the best father Payton and Presleigh could ever have. Countless hours were spent playing together, participating in the yearly family pumpkin carving competitions, and trick or treating. Each year, he looked forward to silently competing with his neighbors for the best Halloween yard decorations.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Jessica Leanne Payton Simons, to whom he was married on December 6, 2008; daughters: Payton Grace and Presleigh Hope; father, Timothy Otis “Tim” Simons of Woodville, GA; mother, Vicki Lynn Adams Morris of Woodville, GA; younger brother, Curtis Simons of Woodville, GA; parents-in-law, Jane and Don Hendrix of Royston, GA; sisters-in-law: Rhonda (Shane) Cox of Greenwood, SC, Barbara (Eric Wright) Suttles of Augusta, GA, and Charmin (Kyle) Sexton of Elberton, GA; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Bobby and Laverne Payton.

Jimmy’s family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, October 7, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA 30606.

A celebration of Jimmy's life will be held on Wednesday, October 8, at 12noon at Faith Baptist Church, 2081 US – 129 BUS, Jefferson, GA 30549. Officiating will be the Rev. Steve Burrell and Dr. Dan Silk, Associate Vice President for Public Safety for the University of Georgia.

Graveside service and interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park, 1642 Washington Highway, Elberton, GA 30635. Mr. Shane Cox will officiate, and pallbearers will include Matt Rice, Thomas Haas, Kevin Thompson, David Graham, Johnny Seawright, and Michael Pennington. UGPD Honor Guard will render honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jimmy's memory to the Buddy Christian Foundation, P.O. Box 903, Colbert, GA 30628.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. James Edwin "Jimmy" Simons.