John F. Simms
John Field Simms Jr. (December 18, 1916 – April 11, 1975) was a U.S. politician and lawyer from the state of New Mexico.
John F. Simms | |
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16th Governor of New Mexico | |
In office January 1, 1955 – January 1, 1957 | |
Lieutenant | Joseph Montoya |
Preceded by | Edwin L. Mechem |
Succeeded by | Edwin L. Mechem |
Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives | |
In office 1949–1951 | |
Preceded by | H. Vearle Payne |
Succeeded by | Calvin Horn |
Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives | |
In office 1947-1951 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Albuquerque, New Mexico | December 18, 1916
Died | April 11, 1975 58) Albuquerque, New Mexico | (aged
Resting place | Fairview Memorial Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Ruth Reynolds (m. 1940-1975, his death) |
Children | 5 |
Residence | Albuquerque |
Education | University of New Mexico Yale Law School |
Profession | Attorney, rancher |
Signature |
Biography
Simms was born in Albuquerque on December 18, 1916. He graduated from New Mexico Military Institute in 1933 and from the University of New Mexico in 1937. In 1940, he received his LL.B. degree from Yale Law School.
During World War II, Simms joined the United States Army Air Forces. He served until the end of the war, primarily in England, and carried out staff assignments at Eighth Air Force headquarters and Air Service Command headquarters. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in June 1945, and left the service soon afterwards. Simms practiced law in addition to owning and operating his family's ranching business.
Simms ran successfully for the New Mexico House of Representatives in 1946 and 1948. He was chosen to serve as Speaker in his second term, and served from 1949 to 1951. From 1950 to 1954, Simms was a member of the New Mexico Commission for Promotion of Uniform State Laws.
In 1954, Simms was the successful Democratic nominee for governor. He served one term, 1955 to 1957 and presided over an increasing federal presence in the state. He also worked to make meetings of the state legislature more public and attempted to make the state government more accessible with initiatives including answering his own office phone. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1956. After leaving office, Simms returned to his ranching interests and legal practice.
Deathand burial
Simms died in Albuquerque on April 11, 1975. He was buried at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque
Family
Simms was the son of Anne Clapton (Schluter) Simms and John F. Simms (1885-1954), who served as an associate justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court. In 1940 he married Ruth Reynolds (1915-1989), they were the parents of three sons and two daughters.
Legacy
The John F. Simms building in Santa Fe is named for him.
References
- John Field Simms Jr. at National Governors Association
- John F. Simms Jr. at The Political Graveyard
- John F. Simms at Find a Grave
Party political offices | ||
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Preceded by Everett Grantham |
Democratic nominee for Governor of New Mexico 1954, 1956 |
Succeeded by John Burroughs |
Political offices | ||
Preceded by Edwin L. Mechem |
Governor of New Mexico 1955–1957 |
Succeeded by Edwin L. Mechem |