Well-known Ja-born, Bronx accountant dies

Well-known Jamaica-born Bronx-based accountant, Alfred Simms, has died at the age of 78 years.

Simms, who succumbed on April 5 after a long illness, was one of the founding members of the Arnett Gardens Football Club. He was part of the management team in 1977 when the team entered its first competition and won the major and national championships.

He also served as a financial manager for the Water Commission in Jamaica, and a commercial manager for the Jamaica Public Service Company.

Alfred Simms began his journey in Kingston, Jamaica, where he attended Wolmer’s Boys’ School before migrating to the United States in 1984.

He continued his education, attending Long Island University in Brooklyn and later Columbia University Graduate Business School, graduating with an MBA-major, in managerial accounting. He was also certified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant.

Simms served on the board of directors at JN Money Services LTD and on the board of directors for Golden Krust as strategist, senior advisor and a member of the board of directors. He also served as a board member of The Weekly Gleaner.

Simms, who opened his accounting firm on White Plains Road, in the Bronx in 1989, served the community for over 30 years during which time he sat on a number of boards of Jamaican companies in New. York. He was licensed as a Charter Public Accountant.

Thirty-three ago he started a summer programme introducing the youths in the community to soccer. This evolved into the Bronx Youth Soccer League that was so successful that they joined the Westchester Soccer League and competed against many local and interstate teams, winning many tournaments. Simms was very proud of all 12 of the soccer teams.

The games were held on weekends at the Evander Childs High School on East Gun Hill Road and the Van Courtland Park

Simms was also a fixture on weekends at the Evander Childs High School park on East Gun Hill Road, which was the staging ground for the very popular Bronx NY Int’l soccer league.

He also managed the top club soccer team, UPSETTERS FC, and enjoyed working with the community and supporting different charities.

He is survived by spouse Heather M. Simms, children Shaka, Kwame, Ama and Sefu Simms, grandchildren Jelani, Zahra, Salehe, Afiya, Osei and stepchildren Brian, Brandon and Brittany Broomfield, sister Urline Tabor and brother Starlington Simms and a host of extended family, loved ones and friends.

Funeral service for Alfred Simms will be at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon on April 26 at 9: am. Viewing will be on April 25 at Grace Baptist Church from 4-8pm.