James Simmons Sr.

James Dwayne Simmons, Sr. was born on October 19, 1964 in Staten Island, New York. James sadly died on July 4, 2024 of a sudden cardiac arrest in his beloved restaurant The Patty Shop, in Columbus, Ohio.

James and his fraternal twin brother were the fourth in line of six siblings. James has two sons which he fondly called his soldiers, James Simmons Junior and Dante Simmons. In 2017, James decided to embark on a new chapter in his life and moved to Columbus Ohio. He lived in the Woodland Park area with his significant other, Robyn Chernack.

James graduated from the College of Staten Island of the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance. For over 20 years, James was an accountant for several nonprofit agencies. James strongly believed in working for organizations that are making strides in serving the underserve population. Some of the organizations James worked with in Columbus Ohio was The Urban League of Columbus and YWCA.

After the Covid pandemic, James decided that he wanted to do more for his community. He decided to open up an authentic Jamaican restaurant called the Patty Shop in the historic Mount Vernon District of Columbus. James was steadily becoming one of the influencers in the in Mount Vernon Plaza community. He was fondly called the “Patty King.”

James had a jovial spirit. He loved to laugh, tell jokes and he had a smile that just made you feel at ease. James was a giver. James was known to help anyone who was in need of advice and support During the 911 attack in New York City, James was one of the unforgotten heroes that helped several people get to safety, despite his own anxiety of the situation.

James loved his New York Knicks and New York style pizza. He would often say he just can’t find a good slice of pizza here in Columbus. James loved to lift weights, and he loved to play basketball at the local Woodland Park YMCA. James belonged to "The African American Readers Book Club... and Still We Rise!" that met regularly at the Martin Luther King Jr. library. James also loved supporting the lounge, Canabar and all local events in Mount Vernon.

James spirit will surely be missed but not forgotten.

Private arrangements have been made with the family. Please contact them for more information.

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