James Symmons, 75 of Center Valley, PA. Professor of Theatre, died Saturday, December 21st, 2013 at Sacred Heart Assisted Living, in CenterValley. Born in Frogmore, SC he was the son of the late William Simmons Sr. and Elouise Byas Scott. He served in the United States Air Force 1956-1962, and Peace Corps 1965-1968 as a Teacher-Director in Spanish theatre in Venezuela. He attended the U of Maryland, UCLA, NYU, Wayne State, Stanford, CA Institute of the Arts, U of Michigan, LycomingCollege, and PennState. Degrees received were AA, BA, M.A., MFA/Ph.D from The U of M. Executive Director, Symbrinck Associates for the Arts 1970-1984 in Williamsport, PA. From 1975-2010 James was a Professor of Theatre, Artist in Residence, andInstructor at: U of Delaware, Newark; Lehigh Co.Community College; Northampton Co. Community College; Bucknell University, Lewisburg; Lycoming Co. Gov., PA Dept. of Ed., DeSales University; Penn State University, State College; and Lafayette University. Throughout the years James worked Off-Broadway, on television, and in Community Theatre as Actor, and Director. He also traveled extensively throughout the world. We will all miss James dearly as he is survived by brother Paul Scott, cousin Bessie Byas, Clifford Byas (Ernestine), and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends around the World. Embraced as family is daughter Beth Akemann (Victor) grandsons Forrest, River, Nico, Leif Akemann, and sister Anne Hargreaves. Preceding him in death brothers William Simmons Jr (Louise), Benjamin Simmons (Thomasena), Silas Scott, and daughter Tere (in Spain). Attended MacungieChurch of the Nazarene since 2000. A celebration of life / memorial service is planned for summer 2014 in MacungiePa. For further info see “Friends of James Symmons” on Facebook. Arrangements by Strauch Funeral Homes, honored provider for the Pennsylvania Cremation Society www.pennsylvaniacremationsociety.com
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