James Lewis Simonds

James Lewis Simonds, 92, of Blue Ridge, formally of Marietta, Georgia, gained the Lord's presence on Sunday, June 25, due to complications from pneumonia.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth Abernathy Simonds; son Byron Simonds and his wife Kyle of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; son Lamar Simonds of Ellijay; sister Peggy Simonds Lewis of Fayetteville, Georgia; grandchildren Morgan, Sheldon and Tyler Simonds and Barrett Simonds Chandler and husband Josh; great grandchildren Katie Chandler and Josh Chandler, Jr. and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Simonds was born February 9, 1925, in Copperhill, Tennessee, to John Robert and Ora Estella Long Simonds, the fourth of nine children. The family moved to Wolf Creek, North Carolina, where he graduated from Murphy High School in 1943.
Upon graduation he took a job as a milk production foreman at a local dairy until he joined the Army. He served in the occupational force in Japan as an infantryman and medic. While home on leave in 1946 he met his wife. They were married on December 24, 1947, as part of the first ceremony held in the new building of Epworth First Baptist Church where they have been active members since their return to Fannin County 31 years ago. Mr. Simonds served as a deacon at the church, sang in the choir and also performed with the Primetimer's Community Choir.
Following his Army service, Mr. Simonds attended a vocational school in Clarksville, Georgia, earning a degree as a machinist. He then attended the Georgia Institute of Technology while working with the architect and engineering firm Robert and Company before joining the General Services Administration as an electrical engineering project manager. Mr. Simonds received many citations for his outstanding work with the GSA. He is credited with saving many of this nation's valuable works of art built into our post offices or displayed there. While overseeing the renovation of these buildings up and down the Atlantic Coast in the 1970s, he insisted that the architects designing the projects incorporate these artistic treasures in their plans. He also stopped the theft of many priceless paintings that were disappearing during the renovations.
Mr. Simonds was devoted to this community and put in many hours restoring the Abernathy home place and grounds on Blue Ridge Drive. After the restoration it was opened for inspection during the Candlelight Tour of Homes as part of the Christmas celebration by the Ducktown Museum. He was an active member of the Epworth Community Club. Mr. and Mrs. Simonds put in hours of work restoring the Baugh House, built in 1890, and getting it listed on the National Register of Historic places. They were honored for this achievement by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation in 2011. The Baugh House is now operated as the Fannin County Historical Museum and is run by the Foundation.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, at Epworth First Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Pallbearers include: William McClure, Harvey Franks, Ronnie Kimsey, Jimmy Foster, Sam Arthur and James Abernathy. Honorary Pallbearers: Deacons of Epworth First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to the Epworth Community Club Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.