Page created by: Sarah Westbrook

On April 21, John David Simmons passed away after a courageous 15-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in 1952 in Sutton Valence, Kent, John’s early life was marked by hardship. It was a turning point when his uncle George, affectionately nicknamed 'Mon Onc', saw his spark and took him under his wing. From then, John's world began to open up.

John went on to study Chemistry and began his career with PPL in Ashford, Kent, quickly establishing himself as a rising star in the perfume and flavour development world. His career carried him across continents: first to Naarden in Holland, then to Maryland USA, and eventually to Itasca, Illinois, where he became Vice President at ICI. His work later took him as far as Australia, developing aged oak flavour for wines.

John also loved the arts. He wrote a children's novel, he filled his life with music, and danced and sang at every opportunity.

He had an incredible mind for both science and business but it was his sense of adventure that, in 2008, inspired him and his wife Debbie to open J’s British Pub in St. Mary’s, Georgia. His wish was to create a welcoming space where everyone felt at home and could have a really good time. The pub introduced traditional fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and (not warm!) British beer to small-town Georgia. Over the years, J’s became more than just a pub; it was a gathering place where friendships began, couple's met, and many memories were made.

John never did things by halves. He loved watching and playing sports, particularly Rugby, and became a professional golfer in his 50’s. He won many tournaments and trophies for soccer, tennis, rugby, golf, badminton, and more - and played for lower Harlequins rugby teams and West Ham reserves. He was generous, adventurous, determined, kind, funny, and always put his family first.

In 2010, John received the devastating diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. What followed were years of courage, determination, tireless research, charity work, and most of all, treasuring time with people he loved. A private man, most people didn't know about his illness and the enormous struggles he had behind closed doors. He donated every month to the Michael J Fox Foundation and his last few years were spent enjoying his rural property in Woodbine, Ga.

John leaves behind a family who adored him and will miss him beyond words: his wife of 34 years, Debbie; his four children, Sarah, Scott, Suzanne, and Christopher; his eight grandchildren, Colby, Christian, Piper, Adam, Isabelle, Jude, Emilia, and Hazel; his sisters June and Shirley; his brothers Ian and Terry; and his many nieces and nephews. He is reunited now with his beloved mum Peg, stepdad Pete, his Nana Elizabeth, and elder brother, Kevin.

John, Dad, Grandad, friend - you can sleep peacefully now. We love you more than words can ever express and we'll miss you deeply forever.