Mr James Brady Simonton Jr.

James Brady Simonton II, resident of and business owner in Florence, Mississippi, died in a traffic accident as a result of inclement winter weather on Thursday, January 30, 2014, on a state highway in Walthall County, Mississippi. Mr. Simonton had been engaged in serving his business clients at the time and, despite weather, was enroute to meet their needs. He is a native of Natchez, where his extended family resides, but had lived in Florence for many years. He operated Stonewall Machinery, which serviced the lumber and timber industries with vital industrial and mechanical equipment. Mr. Simonton studied engineering and received his degree in criminal justice at the University of Southern Mississippi and received other industrial training during his working life. He applied his knowledge and abilities to the great benefit of those industries and businesses he serviced. Jim was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Kathryn Thomas, and father-in-law, Dr. James Marcus Howell. He is survived by his wife, Martha Howell Simonton; sons, Matthew Simonton, Marcus Simonton, and Taylor Simonton of Florence and Hattiesburg; mother-in-law, Louise Howell of Picayune; parents, D. M. and Jean Simonton of Natchez; and siblings Don Simonton and Joseph Simonton, all of whom are bereft at his unexpected loss. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and by a large network of friends and colleagues, Jim was known for his high standards of personal integrity, his dedication to his business pursuits, and his loving family. When his church needed him, he provided his valuable expertise. His friends all acknowledged him as a man worth knowing. When Jim Simonton made a commitment, he could absolutely be relied on to come through. Jim was a wise man in the ways of the world, and proved that by raising, with Martha, a family with whom he shared his best qualities. Funeral services will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home on Sunday, February 2nd , with visitation from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. and service at 3:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Robbie Murden of the Marvin United Methodist Church of Florence. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the American Cancer Society.