A former. Willoughby pastor died Dec 30, 2008 after several years of declining health.

The Rev. John Whiton Simons, 77, served as the pastor at Grace Episcopal Church for 17 years in the 1970s and 1980s. His son Andy Simons, of Avon Lake, said his father had a strong connection to the church. "It wasn't just

serving the members of Grace Church. He felt you had to serve the community," Andy said. "He was an individual who devoted his life to bettering their lives."

 Simons' funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 204 W.Salisbury St., Pittsboro, N.C. 27312.

  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. April 4, 2009 at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road in Willoughby, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of St.

Bartholomew.