At the time they had to push the wedding forward so Mrs Simerka's father could give her away, as he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, she said.
Her father died earlier this year. Now the family is dealing with another tragedy.
"It's very emotional. The worst part of it is the effect on the children. It's just so sudden. He had just gone out for a ride and now he won't be coming back."
Mr Simerka was born in Torquay, United Kingdom. He travelled the world with his family and ended up settling in Rotorua where he studied at Waiariki Institute of Technology.
When Mr Simerka finished his studies he became "a capable and passionate" bushman, she said.
"James soon became well known and respected in the forestry industry which is clear from the many tributes being received," she said.
The spokeswoman, who did not want to be named, said Mr Simerka's parents have travelled from the Hawkes Bay to be with the family.
"His parents are devastated, he was their only child," she said.
She said Mr Simerka had a love and passion for motorbikes and cars.
"He loved having time out driving with his friends. James was very well known for his awesome ability to cook the best steak with Amelia saying, 'I really loved how my dad cooked the barbecue'.
"When asking James' family and friends what word best described him two common themes were 'lovable' or 'big kid' and this is evident by the stream of people visiting the family's home this week to pay respect to his much loved family.
"This tragedy has deeply affected James' family, friends and community. We would like to support his wife and children as they try to come to terms with the sudden passing of James."
A Give A Little page has been set up to support Mr Simerka's wife and children as they embark on life without their husband and father.
"He was the main bread winner. Melissa is a stay-at-home mum for the four children."
Mr Simerka's funeral will be held at the Ngakuru Hall at 11am on Monday.
A police spokeswoman said the investigation into the crash was ongoing and at this stage no charges had been laid.