The Senate Resolution expresses heartfelt condolences to the family, former students, and players of James W. Simmons Jr., who passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of seventy-seven. A dedicated coach, athletic director, educator, and mentor, Simmons devoted over fifty years to high school athletics, significantly impacting the Acadiana region and beyond. Born in Abbeville, Louisiana, he excelled in sports during his youth and later pursued a career in education and coaching, becoming a beloved figure known as "Coach Simmons." His leadership in various sports, particularly track and field, earned him numerous accolades, including being the first Black Athletic Director of the Lafayette Parish School System.

The resolution highlights Simmons' commitment to youth development, his pioneering reforms in school athletics, and his lasting legacy as a role model and mentor. His contributions to the field were recognized through his inductions into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame. The Senate acknowledges the profound impact Simmons had on countless lives and communities, celebrating his dedication to service, integrity, and excellence in athletics. The resolution concludes by offering condolences to his family and the Acadiana community, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.