James E. “Jimmy” Simmerly Jr. of Bourbon, Missouri was born on July 4, 1965 in Sullivan, Missouri to James Simmerly and Dorothy Compton and passed away Monday, August 24, 2026 at the age of 61 years.
He grew up in Bourbon and attended Bourbon schools, graduating from Bourbon High School. After high school, Jimmy furthered his education at East Central College, studying HVAC.
He spent some time traveling around the country, working on and servicing towers in different parts of the United States. Eventually, he made his way back home to Bourbon and went to work at the family sawmill. Over the years, he worked as a logger and forklift driver.
Jimmy enjoyed singing and playing bass guitar. He liked to tease and joke around.
He was a good cook and pasta was one of his specialties. Jimmy also enjoyed racing his mud truck at Mudville and other tracks around Missouri. He spent plenty of time riding his Harley with friends, taking part in poker runs, fishing, and playing in pool and dart leagues. When he was home, there was a good chance he was keeping up with his soap operas, especially The Bold and the Beautiful. Jimmy liked his Wild Turkey and Old Crow.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Simmerly and Dorothy Simmerly; and two sisters, Laura Simmerly and Sue Perkins.
He is survived by four children, Shondra Courtouise and husband Clayton of Villa, Ridge, Missouri, Breann Simmerly and significant other Jon Callahan of Cuba, Missouri, James “Joey” Simmerly and wife Stevi of Cuba, Missouri and Britni Simmerly and significant other Javar Sidi of Chicago, Illinois; 10 grandchildren, James, Chloe and Cara Courtouise, Hunter Simmerly, Annabelle Wallace, Owen Callahan, Marleigh, Kane, Leejay and Stetson Simmerly; brother, Billy Simmerly and wife Angie of Bourbon, Missouri; sister, Regina Rogers of Poteau, Oklahoma; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held form 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, August 28, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at noon on Friday, August 28, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Interment followed at Bourbon Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.
