James Franklin Simpson passed away March 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, FL.
He was born December 7, 1932 in Somerset, KY, son of Elder John Simpson and Lillian Estella Simpson (Turner). James married Josephine Dorothy Simpson on January 29, 1956 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He retired as a Senior Chief from the US Navy after 23 years of service having started and ended his career on the USS Midway.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lilly and brothers Thomas Jefferson, Norman Leander, and Ernest Wesley. His bride Josephine has been waiting for him in heaven since 2007.
He is survived by his eight children: John Simpson, Pamela Morris (Mike), Dottie Gray (Paul), James Simpson (Susan), Nancy Simpson, Diana Montgomery (David), Ann Rose (Dan), and Daniel Simpson as well as twenty-five grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Mariah Ellen Bray, Nannie Jane Phelps, and Frances Estella Nichols (Russell) and two brothers, William Denton and Albert Sherman (Janice).
James was a kind man of impeccable morale character who valued family and faith above everything. He enjoyed gardening, playing poker and pinochle, camping and fishing and watching the Kentucky Wildcats play basketball. His friends and family will most miss hearing his expert storytelling and his hearty chuckle.
A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home with Bro. Stanley Childers officiating.
Burial will be in Simpson Cemetery in Somerset, KY.
Visitation will be after 11 AM Saturday at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.