James F. Simons, 82, of Kentland, passed away from natural causes after a brief stay at the Iroquois Memorial Resident Home in Watseka, Illinois, on Friday, September 28, 2012. Jim (Si) was born at the same hospital on December 10, 1929, to Charles and Clara (Plunkett) Simons. He graduated from A.J. Kent High School, Kentland, in 1947. Jim served a short time as a paratrooper for the US Army. He earned a Masters Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He was a past member of the Colorado, Illinois, and Indiana Bar Associations, member of the US Patent Bar, member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, and was a licensed pilot. Jim was a member of St. Joseph Church. In 1953, Si married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Kindig. They raised their children in Park Forest, IL while Jim worked for Borg Warner and Standard Oil. In 1976, he returned to his passion, the family farm. Returning to Kentland from the Chicago area also enabled him to fully enjoy his love of flying. Jim cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. Surviving with his wife are a son, Mark (Jo Ann) Simons of Watseka, IL, and his daughter Cathy (Earl) Standish of West Lafayette, IN; grandchildren Ann Standish, Olivia Simons, and step grandchildren Allison Shindelar, Dustin (Andrea) Standish, Dane Standish, and three step great grandchildren; sisters Susie Sasko of Fort Wayne, IN and Charlene (David) Longnecker of Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Alice McArthur. Friends may call from 9 AM (CST) until the time of the Mass at 11:00 AM (CST), Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kentland, IN. Father Robert Bernotas will Celebrate the Mass, with Internment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Kentland. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kentland, or to the American Kidney Association.