Jerry Simmons passed over Monday in Goshen IN. I can think of few people in this game that have touched more lives than Jerry Simmons. For a long while "Jake" was the only maker of re&des in the country. I would be willing to bet that a majority of Schuetzen style shooters have a "Simmons tool" in their box or one of their shooting kits. Jerry was a long time Member in both the ASSRA and the NMLRA. I know that I bought my first "Simmons tool" from Jake at Friendship as he sat on the steps of "The Swamp", his trailer at the Walter Cline Range. Where ever you are today raise a glass of "Group Tightener" to Jerry's memory.

40 Rod

I first met Jerry Simmons at the Coors Schuetzen match in 1983; Jerry was on the bench next to me and invited me over to his little trailer after the match. Later, after having some lunch and a few beers, Coors of course, I walked over to Jerry’s trailer where he was sitting with Dean Miller and John Amber, after I sat down Jerry went into his trailer and brought out a fully engraved Zischang Borchardt with false muzzle and all the trimmings, I told him I didn't want to touch it, so he set it down on a table where I could gaze upon it lovingly, it was certainly one of the best rifles I’ve ever seen.

Bob Tyler

I had the great good fortune to know Jake by phone and mail for about 10 years before I met him in person at Etna Green while I was in the company (as usual) of my mentor Charlie Dell.  I was immediately made welcome and "one of the family," and always referred to him after that as "Uncle Jake."  He always tried to act like a grumpy old man, but really had the true heart of gold.  As with all friends, there was always one more project we wanted to work on together, and as with all friends we lose, it was much too soon.  Farewell, my friend, go with God.

Charlie Shaeff
the Green Frog

I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry at Golden in the eighties. And Etna Green a couple times. My redecapper came with a rifle I purchased. I have threaded heads to fit just about any cartridge case thanks to Jerry.  Jerry was really just one of the guys and easy to talk to. Grumpy? A little, reminded me of my grandpa which I liked.

RIP Jerry.

     Joe.

Sad news for sure. 2010 has not been a good year for ASSRA notable members. Sure hope it improves.

I agree with an earlier comment about Jake being a grumpy old guy on the outside but in reality a really good guy willing to help even a newbie like me without a second thought.

Rest in Peace Jake

Ed