James Robert "Bob" Simmons March 7, 1939 – July 28, 2025

Bob Simmons, 86, of Kennewick, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on July 28, 2025, surrounded by family who loved him deeply. Born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, on March 7, 1939, Bob's life was shaped by quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep loyalty to those he loved. He was the son of Juanita Meyers and James Simmons.

After losing his mother at the age of nine, and growing up with a distant father, Bob found strength and guidance through his beloved Aunt Marie. He was one of three siblings. His brother, Bill, and his sister, Sheri, preceded him in death.

In 1967, Bob married the love of his life, Lori. Together, they raised eight children—Kevin, Rob, Sheri, Jackie, Jason, Felecia, Lacey, and Rasheal—in a home full of love, hard work, and hospitality. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Rob and Sheri, as well as his loving wife Lori whom he remembered with great fondness. Bob and Lori's home was always open to others—sometimes for a night, sometimes for months. Helping people was simply who he was.

Bob's life was deeply anchored in his faith. Baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1968, he remained steadfast in his devotion, serving many years as a respected elder. He lived what he believed—demonstrating his love for Jehovah not just in words but in action. Even in his later years, as his memory faded, he never stopped talking about his faith and the hope that carried him.

Bob spent much of his working life with the Laborers Union, helping construct major infrastructure throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the Lower Monumental Dam and the 300 Area of the Hanford Site. His hands were calloused from labor, and his character was shaped by it—steady, strong, and full of grit. After retiring, Bob and Lori turned their shared love for "junk" into a livelihood. What began as weekend yard-saling blossomed into a full-time adventure as vintage pickers, with booths at the Pasco and Packwood flea markets. Bob had a special eye for a good deal, though he and Lori didn't always agree on what counted as a "treasure." He couldn't fix an engine to save his life, but he could spot value in the unlikeliest pile of parts—and always had duct tape or baling twine at the ready. He was famous for stepping back from a half-finished fix and saying, "Better than it was."

He was a poet, a songwriter, and a lover of the outdoors—especially the mountains and the beach. He read every Louis L'Amour book, enjoyed a bottle of Crown (while insisting Potter's was just as good), and delivered an unforgettable karaoke rendition of "My Way." Whether he was singing, telling stories, or pretending to like chocolate-covered cherries just to make his kids smile, Bob was always fully himself. Bob wasn't perfect, but he was real—stubborn, generous, kind, and deeply loved. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, of faith in action, and of being there for others no matter what. Even in his final years, when conversation grew difficult, the light of who he was remained: a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man of deep conviction and compassion.

Bob Simmons now rests peacefully, awaiting the promised resurrection, where he'll once again be happy, healthy, and reunited with those who love him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 8, at 4:30 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 32 W 19th Ave., Kennewick.