Bobby James Simmons

Bobby James Simmons, age 74, of Toledo, Ohio passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021 at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania. He was born on July 24, 1946 to Andy and Katie Mae (Smith) Simmons in Union County, Mississippi. He attended Union County Training School and later graduated from B.F. Ford High School in 1966 where he was class president. His academic career included a B.S. degree in Political Science from Mississippi Valley State University (1970). Bobby also received an M.A. in Political Science (1976) and an M.A. in American History (1996) from The University of Toledo. While he was a master’s student in Toledo he worked as a graduate assistant in American Government and joined the Toledo Police Department. He joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 1976 and was inducted into the National History Honor Society in 1992. Bobby was a member of the Toledo Police Department from 1972-2000. During his twenty-eight years with the department, he worked as an officer and later a detective within Vice/Narcotics Unit, Street Patrol, Recruitment, Juvenile Investigation, Crimes Against Property and Persons, and Records Section. He served on several committees including the Juvenile Gang Task Force, Political Action Committee (Toledo Police Patrolmen’s Association), and Education Committee. He also worked as a substitute teacher in the Toledo Public School system and taught Criminal Investigation and Criminal Law at Owens Community College, Oregon, Ohio. He retired in 2000, and in his leisure time he enjoyed listening to his favorite jazz artists, spending time with his dog, Sam, playing his saxophone, playing golf, and working in the flower garden. Bobby was strong, intelligent, and soft-spoken. He was known for his quiet wisdom, supportive nature, and as a man who strived to better himself. Bobby was always willing to sacrifice himself for others, especially his beloved children and family. He is survived by his children, Vanessa (Marc) Edwards, Nicholas (Sarah) Simmons; grandson, Blake Cooper; two great-grandchildren, Blake Jr., and Bryce Cooper; siblings, Billy (Terri) Simmons and Linda (Curtis) Tarrie; and special friends, Mary Hennings and Joeann Simmons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Shirley, Jimmy, Jewel, and Grace Evelyn. His family would like to extend a special thanks to his physicians, Dr. Rubin, Dr. Jiang and Dr. Badik as well as the staff at Hickman Cancer Center and Ebeid Hospice for their excellent care. Family and friends are invited to visit from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, 2021 in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.), where an Alpha Phi Alpha Service will begin at 6:30 p.m., concluding with TPD Honor Guard Last Salute. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Greater St. Mary Baptist Church, 416 Belmont Ave., Toledo, with burial to follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to the Toledo Police Foundation. toledopolicefoundation.org