Jim Simmons:

In 1964 I graduated from Johns Hopkins University. My serious "working" career started with the Associated Press as a copy editor in New Haven, Connecticut. I then moved to New York City with similar AP duties. From there I became a reporter for the Winston-Salem Journal covering western NC. Then I moved on to DC working with the "Blue Sheet", a weekly newsletter covering Congress and HEW health care news. I then took a job with Vermont Health Systems, Inc. associated with the medical school in Burlington, VT. I then went back to DC as Legislative Director for National Blue Shield Plans. I moved to the Department of Health and Human Services (legislation) and, finally, to Veterans Affairs in charge of integrating VA and military hospitals. Whew! I will retire next year.

After one quick marriage/divorce (1967-1969), I settled in with my second wife, Sally, 34 years at this time but who counts except at the anniversary date. We have two sons – one in LA and the other in London. No grandchildren --patiently waiting for both of them to get married! I read the bios and am amazed at the variety of paths everyone took. The world was certainly an open door after high school! Happily, most of us will end up together again at the Westin. Thank you, 50th Reunion Committee, for your hard work!