Obituary of James Thomas Simpson
Age 82, of Brooklyn, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, March 5, 2020. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. James' family will be present at the funeral home to receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 pm. Expression of sympathy can be made by visiting James' tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.
James was born in Flint on August 25, 1937, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Clara (Hudson) Simpson. He was married to the love of his life Phyllis Elaine Wedler on April 30, 1964, in Flint. She preceded him in death on October 7, 2005. James proudly served in the United States Army from November 4, 1954, until receiving his honorable discharge on April 21, 1959. Upon returning to civilian life, James would become a Wastewater Treatment Supervisor for the City of Flint for a number of years, retiring in 1992. James creativity flowed into creating colorful flower gardens, golfing with good friends, tracing the Simpson family tree and helping other families with their ancestry. Many hours were spent in the garage designing and creating beautiful wood carvings on thoughtful pieces of furniture for his kids, and over the last few years making wonderfully melodic wind-chimes. Winemaking, cooking the perfect German dish, fixing all his small appliances, his talents could fill a book! In his early years, he enjoyed playing bagpipes at reunions and even for his kids at their elementary school. His best advice to give was,” try to make someone’s day, even just with a smile.”
James will be dearly missed by all who knew him and especially his children. We are told not to be amazed, but amazed we will be when his family and him can enjoy another aggravating game of estimation together! John 5:28,29
Left to cherish his memory are four children: James Michael Lorenze and wife, Michelle, Marcus-Scot and wife, Stephanie, Conrad-Scot and wife, Christina, and Meredith-Scot and husband, John; 14 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: two sisters: Marjorie, and Marion; and many other family members.
James was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Phyllis.