John H. Simpson

SIMPSON, JOHN H., (Jack), - of Beesley's Point, passed away Friday, September 12, 2008 at his home. He was born in South Philadelphia February 11, 1925. He was raised in West Philadelphia, lived in Collingdale, Pa, Drexel Hill, Pa and Ocean City, for over 45 years before moving to Beesley's Point. After retiring he ran the Ocean City Golf Course Pro Shop for 17 years. He married the love of his life Joan A. Sullivan in 1947. He learned to surf in Hawaii and spent many a night surfing on his board in Ocean City. Joan and Jack had three children Mark, Joan Petino and Jeanette (John) Bastian they had four grandchildren Katie Simpson, Dawn Golden (Stephen), Megan Kozak, DanieI Petino (Megan), two step grandchildren Mary Alice Bastian, Stephen Bastian, two great grandchildren Kailey Golden and Brandon Verger, a much loved brother-in-law Robert Sullivan (Jackie). Jack was a West Catholic senior when Pearl Harbor was attacked, he volunteered in the Navy Armed Guard, The Gun Crew of the merchant ships as a 2nd class signalman and saw action in North Africa, Anzio, Italy and the invasion of France. He was a survivor of the SS Eagle, a crew member flying the Free France Flag that lost its bow and was beached in Sardinia. He was transferred to the U.S. Naval Amphibious Force in 1944 and was in the Invasion of Okinawa and ended up in China at the wars end as a 1st class Signalman. He had made trips to Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Guam, Antibes and Kwajelin and Iwo Juma, he loved the Navy. A graduate of St. Joe's College he tended bar on the main line during his college career. He sold accounting machines for Burroughs Co. for four years and ended up In the Cap and Gown and Band Uniform business. He became an authority on the academic attire and was known throughout the country for his knowledge of University colors, procedures and academic processions. He supplied the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for over 30 years with graduation attire. He owned his own company and retired in 1989. Jack and his wife traveled extensively to colleges and Universities in Chicago, Boston, Virginia, New York and Denver for graduation ceremonies. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock from Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, 40th Street at Asbury Ave., Ocean City, where friends may call from 10 until 10:45. Burial will follow with military honors in the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery, Cape May Court House. The Family suggests those who desire send memorial contributions to either Holy Redeemer Hospice, 1801 Route 9 North, Swainton, NJ 08210 or the Kidney Foundation, 30 East, 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. To E-mail condolences visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com