Judge Daniel J. Simms honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1963 through 1973. Judge Simms attended Howard University where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and his Juris Doctorate.

Upon graduating from law school, Judge Simms relocated to Texas and began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas. He then accepted a position with the Federal Communications Commission where he served as a Staff Attorney in their Office of General Counsel. His love of country led him to rejoin the armed forces, this time with the U.S. Navy, serving from 1981 to 1986 as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, and achieving the rank of Lieutenant.

In 1990 and joined the Harris County Attorney’s Office as an Assistant County Attorney, where he was an advisor to Commissioner’s Court and a member of the Hospital District Division. In 1995, Mayor Robert C. Lanier wisely appointed him as a Municipal Judge. Throughout his tenure, Judge Simms presided over his judicial duties in a highly professional manner and displayed exceptional judicial temperament.

He retired from the City of Houston in 2011 and Mayor Parker proclaimed February 28, 2011 Judge Daniel Simms day.

Judge Simms was considered by friends and colleagues as a true patriot, outstanding member of the bar, and a strong civil rights advocate. This is evident in the many accolades he has collected include the U.S. Navy JAG Corp’s Outstanding Service Award, the State Bar of Texas Frank J. Scurlock Outstanding Legal Service, and their Pro Bono College Award. He was an active member of the NAACP, serving on their Board and on various committees. His service to the NAACP earned him their Award for Legal Excellence in 1997.

Judge Simms devoted countless hours to furthering the lives of veterans, especially homeless veterans. Judge Simms actively participates in various annual Veterans’ Day events including the parade and the ceremony at Houston National Cemetery, always encouraging his fellow City of Houston government veterans to participate along with him. His service to the Courts went beyond his judicial duties. Judge Simms volunteered his spare time to providing a high level of training to the City of Houston Municipal Court Clerks, many of whom gained valuable skills and knowledge thanks to his expertise, guidance and leadership.

Judge Simms leaves behind his oldest sister Kathleen Mosley and family, as well as his only child Sharee Brown of Washington D.C., granddaughter Lauren Jessica Brown (2019 American University Graduate) and grandson Stephen Blackwell (age 15) who wants to pursue a career in law to continue his grandfather’s legacy.