I don't think I have completely wrapped my mind around the loss that our community has suffered in the loss of Kim Simmons. We have all lost a dear friend. I can only try to express how we feel though writing these words, as Kim did for us so many times.

Kim was a unique sports writer and truly an advocate for the kids of this community. While so often writers look for the problems teams are having and exploit those issues, Kim wanted only to focus on the good things happening with the kids of this community. She celebrated the successes and was encouraging through struggles.

As a coach, I was totally comfortable talking to her about the trials of our season and fully confident that Kim would protect me when I spoke out of frustration. She had a way of always making you feel like you were the best coach for our kids no matter how tough times were. Someone else may take the job of sports writer, but no one will ever replace Kim Simmons.

So much more than just a writer for the paper, she immersed herself in the community and shared herself with us. Through difficult times she used her writing as a way to help heal. Even through her own suffering she seemed to be trying to comfort others. And give us peace. There are countless people in this town who received reassurance from her devout faith and positive outlook.

None of us can truly feel this loss that her family will. All I can do is offer supportive words and prayers. I know she is well taken care of. In the days, weeks and months ahead her family will laugh and cry many times, please know her legacy lives on in all of us so fortunate to be touched by her; truly a gift, one not soon forgotten.

I will miss standing on the sidelines with cameras in hand taking pictures of all the action, I will miss talking with her about the great things going on with the athletes in our community and working with her on the Hall of Fame. I know I haven't fully grasped this loss.

Thank you, Kim Simmons, you leave us better just having known you.

Sincerely,
Terri Irons
Head Volleyball Coach
Excelsior Springs High School