"Kathy, and family, So sorry cancer took Jim from all of us. I have so many good memories to cherish. All the good times around the campfires, the Houseboat trip and the "Nightmare in Nebraska trip" all unforgettable. Jim truly did enjoy the simple things in life! He will be missed and live on in our memories, which bring a smile even at this time of loss. Rob Watson"
In loving memory of
Jim L. Simpson
October 24, 1953 - October 25, 2011
Jimmy Lee Simpson was born October 24, 1953, in Algona, Iowa, the son of R. Dwight and Deona (Johnston) Simpson. He grew up in Algona where he also attended school and graduated from the Algona High School in 1972. After his schooling he worked various jobs in the Algona area.
On September 10, 1983, Jim was united in marriage to Kathy Becker at the First United Methodist Church in Algona. After their marriage they lived in Algona. For the last 15 years Jim has worked as a welder at Chantland's in Humboldt and was forced to retire a couple years ago due to health problems.
Jim enjoyed his annual fishing trip with his friends, gardening, cooking and being with his friends. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and going on their family vacations all over the United States.
Jim died Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona, Iowa. He was 58.
He is survived by wife, Kathy Simpson of Algona; daughters, Lindsay Simpson of Algona; Lesha Simpson currently attending college in Indianola, of Algona; two grandchildren, Remington and Chloe; mother, Deona Simpson of Algona; siblings, David "Goat" and Rose Simpson of Wallingford; Judy McGrath of Elysburg, Pennsylvania; Peggy and Andy Nelson of Algona; John and Merry Simpson of West Bend. Also surviving are numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, R. Dwight Simpson and his brother, Richard Simpson.
Tributes
"Kathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed by so many. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Dear Jim, I was made aware of your illness a month or two ago and you have been in my prayers daily. I knew you had to be struggling. Here's to the good times my friend. We sure had some!! I'm sure you are at peace now. Thoughts and prayers to your family."
"Dear Kathy:
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's death. What a shock. I know I have not seen either one of you in years, but I loved our conversations. I want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time, and Praying that Jesus holds you all in his arms to comfort you. Please take care, Love, Tammy (Abbas) Cook"
"Dear Kathy and family, We are so saddened to hear of Jims passing. Mom is currently in the hospital in Mason City, but she wanted me to let you know that they are thinking of you all and wish they could be here to see you. We are praying for strength and comfort for you all at this time. Love to you all from Amy Frankl, Ron and Pam Frankl"
"I haven't seen Big Jim since the early 70's when we would cruise the drag in Algona and head to Bancroft on Saturday night. I had a lot of good times with him and Billygoat. May he rest in peace and may his family and friends take peace in knowing what a great guy he was. 'Gentle Giant' is an apt term for him. "
"We had so many good times & memories with Jim & Kathy. The old house in Wesley, the houseboat on the Mississippi, numerous concerts & camping adventures, not to mention Mexico & racing around Matzlan in the "pumonias" (sp?) Jim we love you and miss you. Rest in peace Merril & Kay Friedrich"
"So happy that jim is finally at peace although know tha his presence will be greatly missed by many....he was one of the kindest men i had ever met....the term "big ol teddy bear" seemed to be used frequently to describe him....may you rest in peace Big Jim...."
"KATHY AND FAMILY, I HAVE ALSO ENJ0YED JIM BUT MY FAVORITE MEMORY IS WHEN HE APPEARED AT MY HUSBAND"S SURPRISE BDAY PARTY AS THE BEARDED LADY. IT TOOK US AWHILE TO DECIDED WHO HE WAS. IF I REMEMBER RIGHT, HE GAVE CHUCK A BDAY KISS AND A HUG. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. "
"I moved away from Algona many, many, years ago but the memory of knowing Big Jim from the "old days" has stayed with me in all my travels. It is surely a tribute to Jim that his laughter and friendship has survived in memory through absence, distance, and time. My prayers are with you."
"The last time I saw Jim was the night my mom died...Him and Kathy brought over some pizza, Ill always remmeber his hearty laugh and rosy cheeks. Im sorry for your loss and I wish you the best."
"Kathy and Peggy, so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you in your time of need. God Bless your family at this time."
"Many happy afternoons after school were spent with Big Jim, me and other friends cruising around algona. I'll miss him. "
"I know it's no fun for the family, but speaking for me and mine, I know that he and Sherry are having a good laugh right now. He and she and Chuck are laughing at all of us crying right now. xoxoxo"
"Kathy and Family, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your lossā?¦our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Jim's passing. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. Peace, Prayers and Blessings, "
"There will never be another Big Jim. One of the funniest, most laid back guys in the world. We know you and Sherry are having a big party as we speak! Sincere condolences to your family!"
"Oh, Big Jim! At least Sherry has someone to listen to music with now. I will miss you. "
"Kathy and family: So sorry for your loss, our condolences to your family. Ron, Jayne, Ryan & Jessie"
"Seems like I've known Jim since the beginning of time.But I'll never forget when he was there for me as one of my best man at Nancy's and my wedding 34 years ago this week.Thanks for being there "Big Jim""
"I have a poster hanging in my office and every day that I would read it I would think of Jim: LIFE is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, "WOW, WHAT A RIDE!" Simpsons.....you are good friends with lots of good memories and lots of laughs......lots of laughs! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cathy"
"Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best!
The Fox Family"
"One memory of Jim that sticks out in my mind is when you were visiting Cheryl and Brett in Texas and I was there too. Jim got up in the morning and gave you, Kathy, a big hug and kiss and said "This is the best part about being married". Jim's big smile and warm, kind heart will be missed. I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Joelle "
"Kathy and family you have our deepest sympathy. Kent & I are keeping all of you close in our thoughts and prayers. Jim is a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather & friend and everyone who knew Jim will miss him deeply. God has a special place for Jim in heaven. We all have wonderful memories and those memories will keep Jim alive in our hearts and minds. God bless you durring this difficult time.. "
"Kathy and Family- So sorry for your loss. May friends, family and good memories help you through this difficult time. I got to see Jim last January for the first time in years.It was so nice to see him. Glad I had that chance. God Bless. "
"Kathy & Family, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. You have my prayers & thoughts. Memories of Jim will help in the Grieving process along with the Lord.. I just think of it as no more pain, he is in a lot better place now.. Watching over you.... "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Hold onto the love and cherish your memories!!!!"
"Jim was a great classmate of the class of 1972. I did get to visit with him when my Mom was in the hospital and I enjoyed our visit then. My deepest sympathy goes to you Kathy and your family at this difficult time. Jim will be missed for his big heart and smile to a lot of people. RIP Big Jim"
"A friend will wave at you as you meet him driving down the road but a good friend will pull over and stop just to say hello in person. Thanks for being a good friend Jim."
"Kathy and Family....my most sincere condolences. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this time and the coming days ahead. May God Bless you all. Kendra"
"Our deepest sympathy to you Kathy and your family during this difficult time. We will keep you all in our prayers. Joyce and Denny Frideres"