Jerry Simons Sr

Jerry Simons of Port Antigua passed away on March 17, 2012. He was 82 years old. He came to Miami in 1948 to attend the University of Miami where he discovered a love of fishing in the Keys. He recalled past days when there was a toll station at the Channel Two Bridge and it cost 75 cents to continue on to Key West.
Simons was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1929. He graduated from Oak Park High where he played football. He often said the game was different then, as the team wore leather helmets without face guards.
He majored in Journalism at the University of Miami, graduating in 1953. He worked in Miami at United Press and later was a news cameraman for Channel Four under Ralph Renick. He also worked at WCKT when Wayne Fariss was the anchorman.
He was the Photographic Director for the Florida Development Commission and was assigned to former Governor Claude Kirk as his personal photographer.
Simons turned to freelance photography in 1973 and did assignments for Eastman Kodak, Chrysler, U.S. Steel, and other national clients. He was a great admirer of Ansel Adams and attended several classes that Adams held for advanced photographic students. Simons used this experience with Adams to shoot food ads and large format layouts for banks, hotels, and other clients.
When he and his wife Mary settled in the Keys, he was able to continue his love of fishing and became a certified fly-fishing instructor. He was a lifetime ham radio operator, with friends all over the world. He had a great sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. He was brave even in the hardest times of his illness. He was loved by all who knew him. He was a dedicated father, fisherman, photographer, friend, and a fine pianist -- an all-around lovable, gentle soul.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary R. Simons, and is survived by two sons, a daughter, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Mariners Hospital staff and Lee Thompson cared for him so lovingly. The family is grateful for their part in his peace.

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