James "Pete" Simmons, Jr., 71 of Centralia died Friday, June 27, 2025, at his home.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Centralia City Cemetery.

James was born on July 27, 1953, in Moberly, the son of James, Sr. and Minnie Victoria (Wiliams) Simmons.

James graduated from Centralia High School in 1971, where he excelled in football, earning the honor of being a Sunkist All-American in 1970.

After High school James worked for many years at 3M. He truly enjoyed watching sports.

James is survived by his siblings, Larry Warren and wife Cassandra of Kansas City, MO, and Vicki Simmons of Centralia; nieces, Olisa Warren of Kansas City, MO, and Carmella Warren Johnson of California; great nephews, Brandon Alexander of California, John Johnson of California, and Jaylon Johnson of Chicago, Kurtis Warren; great nieces, Tehya Frederick, Zaveah Johnson and Xoel Johnson.

James was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial donations are suggested to Mt. Olive Baptist Church and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.