James Newton Simmons, Jr. 85 of Kings Mountain, NC passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on May 1, 1935 in Rutherford County , NC to the late James Newton Simmons, Sr. and Ella Dalton Simmons.

James graduated from Carver High School in Spindale, NC in 1956. After high school graduation he worked at Smith's Drug Store in Forest City, NC until he began his career at Fiber. He retired from the Hoeschst Celanese,formerly known as Fiber,after 33 years of service in 1997. He married Mae Ella Cline, the love of his live, on April 15, 1968.

He was a member of Washington Missionary Baptist Church of Shelby, NC for over forty years. He enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, listening to gospel music, singing with male groups, watching sports, working on computers, taking pictures, and spending quality time with his wife.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bruce Simmons.

James is survived by his wife Mae Cline Simmons of Kings Mountain, NC, son Randy Simmons (Dale) of Shelby, NC, daughter, Shar'ron Cooper (Vincent) of Charlotte, NC, daughter, Jamaia Hampton-Simmons (Willetta) of Lakewood, WA, son Darryl Cline of Queens, NY; daughter Edwina Cogdell (Willie) of Bloomfield, CT, son Xavier Cline of Charlotte, NC, son Jamell Simmons of the home, and son Carlos Simmons of the home, and two goddaughters Cassandra Bobbit (Edward) from Charlotte, NC and Michelle Walker (Edward) of Grover, NC. Additionally, James is survived by grandson Randy Simmons II, granddaughter Sonya Trapp, grandson Chad Cline, granddaughter Ericka Thurman, granddaughter Jessica Wright (Chris), grandson Niklaus Hampton-Simmons, and twelve great-grandchildren.

James is also survived by a sister, KimilyMcGuine of Charlotte, NC, his brother Reginald McGuine of Ellenboro, NC, a sister-in-law Gussie Cline-Watkins of Fort Washington, MD, a sister-in-law Virginia Chambers of Shelby, NC, and his niece Trudy McGuine.

The funeral service for Mr. Simmons will be private. A reception of friends will be held on Saturday,August 15, 2020, at Washington Missionary Baptist Church in Shelby, NC. from 2:30 PM until 3:00 PM. He will be placed in the church at 12:30 PM to begin viewing. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.