John Burton Kimmins “Big John” was born in Fresno, CA on September 24, 1951 and passed away peacefully on September 17, 2016 in Houston, TX after battling numerous illnesses for many years. John moved to Pontiac, MI with his parents and brother in 1955 where he attended school until leaving in his junior year of High School, at which time obtained his GED. He enlisted in the United States Army on January 6, 1969 where he served as a mechanic stationed at Ft. Collins, CO. He did two tours in Vietnam and was Honorably Discharged on August 12, 1971. In March of 1972 he married his first wife and in November of 1973 he had his first daughter Tina. On March 9, 1977 John married Patti and started working at Clinton Valley Center for the State of Michigan caring for the mentally ill. In 1983 John had his second daughter Amanda, and continued to work for the state until 1997 when he medically retired. John spent his retirement enjoying classic cars, golf, music and motorcycles. He was the happiest spending his days on his boat and watching the sun set with his wife. In 2005 John moved to Texas where he bought a house in The Woodlands and this is where he lived until he passed. John was a very giving man and was always there to help someone in need.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 26 years Patricia Kimmins, and his parents Robert and Shirley Kimmins. He is survived by his two daughters Tina Emiry and her husband Eric of Waterford, MI and Amanda Barnett and her wife Michelle Barnett of Spring, TX, his brother Bill Kimmins, niece Alexandria Dianat, and nephew Jason VanNorman. He was also very proud of the fact that when Tina married Eric, he became an instant Grandpa and Great Grandpa.
A memorial service will be held at the Houston National VA Cemetery on Friday, October 14, 2016 located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. We ask that you arrive no earlier than 2:15pm and follow the signs to line up your vehicles in Lane 1. The service starts promptly at 2:30pm. After the service, family and friends will be welcomed to gather, eat and celebrate John’s life at Papa’s Seafood House located at 11301 I-45 N. at Aldine Bender, Houston, TX 77037. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America.