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James Edward Simpson

James Simpson Obituary

James Edward Simpson (Jimmy or Jerry), 87, ended his journey home on December 24, 2009, in time to spend Christmas with Jesus. Born Jeremiah Ezekiel Simpson on June 26, 1922, to parents Essa William and Emma Watkins Simpson, he weighed less than three pounds, thus began the fighting spirit of this extraordinary man. James had three major priorities: God, his family and his job at Advance Auto. He enlisted in the Army as a young man and fought bravely for his country in the Korean War and World War II where he earned the Bronze Star among other medals. After leaving the Army, he became employed by Advance Stores where he remained a loyal, hard working employee for sixty years following his own motto of, "In whatever you do, do the best you can with your God given abilities". Mr. Simpson retired from his full-time employment this past September due to a shoulder injury that prevented him from driving. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Moore Simpson; a son, Mark Anthony Simpson; twin infant sons; and his sister, Anna Elizabeth Lilly. He will be greatly missed by his survivors, two daughters, Marjorie Holland and Bonny Simpson, both of Franklin County; three sons, John Simpson, James (Windy) Simpson, both of Roanoke, Arthur (Artie) Simpson, of Franklin County; 16 grandchildren; numerous greatgrandchildren; and nieces and nephews. James never knew a stranger and left behind a number of people who will miss that wonderful smile and great sense of humor. The family would like to thank the Medical Staff of Carilion RMH for their dedication in taking care of Daddy during his hospital stay. As James gave faithfully to a number of charities, his family request that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice. Family will receive friends at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home, 14920 Lee Highway, Buchanan on Tuesday, December 29,2009, from 1 to 3 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. Interment will follow at a later date in Fairview CemeteryBuchanan.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Simpson

24 Entries

Mike Blackley

January 24, 2010

I had the pleasure and priviledge of working with Jimmy at Advance. His work ethic personality and dedication were an inspiration to all of us and I know he taught me more through his actions than I ever thought possible. You will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless you all.

January 3, 2010

sorry i couldn't be there but i do remember.

James (Jim) Lilly

December 31, 2009

12/29/09 Eulogy

James Edward Simpson (Jimmy or Jerry), 87, ended his journey home on December 24, 2009, in time to spend Christmas with Jesus. Born Jeremiah Ezekiel Simpson on June 26, 1922, to parents Essa William and Emma Watkins Simpson, he weighed less than three pounds, thus began the fighting spirit of this extraordinary man.

James had three major priorities: God, his family and his job at Advance Auto. He enlisted in the Army as a young man and fought bravely for his country in the Korean War and also World War II where he earned the Bronze Star among other medals. After leaving the Army, he became employed by Advance Stores where he remained a loyal, hard working employee for sixty years following his own motto of, "In whatever you do, do the best you can with your God given abilities". Mr. Simpson retired from his full-time employment this past September due to a shoulder injury that prevented him from driving.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Moore Simpson; a son, Mark Anthony Simpson; twin infant sons; and his sister, Anna Elizabeth Lilly. He will be greatly missed by his survivors:
-two daughters, Marjorie Holland and Bonny Simpson, both of Franklin County;
-three sons, John Simpson, James (Windy) Simpson, both of Roanoke,
Arthur (Artie) Simpson, of Franklin County;
-16 grandchildren;
-numerous great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

James never knew a stranger and left behind a number of people who will miss that wonderful smile and great sense of humor. The family would like to thank the Medical Staff of Carillion RMH for their dedication in taking care of Daddy during his hospital stay.

My Personal Insight

I new him as "Uncle Jerry", many of you new him as "Jimmy".

In my youth as we lived across the street for a while I spent a lot of time at his home playing with Johnny, Bonnie, Wendy, Tony, and Arty growing up; many times he was much like a second "Dad" to me.

I felt he always had a keen sense of humor and was devoted to making a living, loving and taking care of his family. I remember he enjoyed watching and listening to the various wild birds around us. He also had a passion for fishing on the rivers, particularly for catfish. He would sometimes take us kids with him and it was always such fun - other than that while fishing we had to be still and be quiet so as not to scare the fish away. He may not have been a perfect Dad but I don’t think any man could have been a more perfect Dad, Uncle, or Grandfather.

I salute him for being a soldier, a hero (in my eyes), and veteran of two wars. I believe God taught him about the value of family and living by bringing him through both wars. I believe God tempers us to be able to accomplish our course in this life.

Of late, when Belinda and I visited Uncle Jerry in the hospital, I was truly humbled and honored to approach him as he was saying Grace over his evening meal. Hearing him pray and thank God for his health, family, Salvation, for God sending Jesus to redeem us of our sins, and for all his friends, put me in awe of this fine man, and I am truly privileged and honored that he is my Uncle.

Personal memories was made by the congreation at this time; afterward, by personal request of Bonny, I read the poem posted on 28 December by James & Karla Parker of Roanoke, Virginia to close the eulogy.

Michael Gray

December 30, 2009

12/30/09 Graveside Service Notes:

Prayer

We are here to say our goodbyes to James this morning. But take heart, its only for a little while. He isn’t gone forever.

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, yet shall he live.”

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

“For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18”

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces a great harvest. Jn 12:24

As the Apostle Paul explained:

Brethren, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither can corruption inherit incorruption. No, this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall "Death be swallowed up in victory." Death, where then is your sting? Thanks be to The Eternal Father who gives us this victory.

This left Paul a little conflicted as well James might have been:

For to me, to live is Christ---And to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two; I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. –Philippians 1:20-23 (New International Version)

And so it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable; It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. –Psalm 145:18-19

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. –Isaiah 41:10, 13 (New International Version)

May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;
May they be happy and joyful…. [for He is] a father to the fatherless, the defender of widows, [and]…the One who sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:3-7

Times like this show how important family is. Can you imagine what it must be like for a person to go through something like this alone. Take a look around at each other this morning, and thank God for each other---for the blessing he has made you to be to each other.

Jesus said:
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Closing prayer

Michael Gray

December 30, 2009

Memorial Service Notes (By Request):

*We are all here today to celebrate the life of James Simpson. On behalf of his family and friends, I’d like to welcome you all and thank each of you for coming. Faith is a great comfort in saying goodbye to one as dearly loved as James, but so is the company of family and friends who care. Thanks again for being here.

*Prayer

*It is always sad to lose a loved one. Especially one as unselfish and deeply loved as James. There is no denying that you are going to miss him. But we can take comfort in knowing that the sadness we feel ought to be for ourselves, and not for James. The way James sees it, nothing terrible has happened to him.

As anyone who knew him could tell you--James knew and loved Jesus while he was alive. And he is surely with Him now.

James had nothing to fear from death. I am sure it was to him nothing but a relief. He just stepped out of his earthly body of pain and suffering, left it lying in that hospital bed, and ran straight into the old familiar arms of his old friend--Jesus.

The Psalmist expressed it as James might have:

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. 3He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for He is with me; His rod and His staff comfort and protect me.
5He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies
He annoints my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

For James, this day is one of celebration--not sorrow. Where he has gone, there is no more suffering, no more pain, nor sorrow. Not even death can touch him now.

As Jesus promised long ago:

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be there too. "

You know, there is very little in this life that is certain. Good and bad people come into our lives and go without explanation. Illness and health, prosperity and financial hard times, feelings, and hopes come and go. People (and the government) make and break promises (and sometimes your heart). In the end, very few things are dependable.

But despite all that there is one thing-- You can ALWAYS count on the God James trusted:

As the apostle Paul wrote:

In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-40

No we shouldn’t sorrow for James. His life has long been anchored on those most famous words of Jesus:

For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son that so that whoever would trust in Him would have everlasting life.

*Call James for Eulogy

*Prayer:

Thank you Father for James’ life,. The good he was able to do, the blessing he was to those he loved and to those he never even met. Thank you for what he meant to his family and friends, to his co-workers, and the community in which he lived.

Father, I know that you offer your spirit, your promises and your comfort to us today, and I ask that you would help us to accept and receive it. Father let us lean on your strong arms and gentle spirit today. And to look forward to the time when, as fellow believers, we will see James again at your side.

Amen

HEATHER SIMPSON

December 30, 2009

I LOVE YOU PAW PAW YOU WERE THE GREATEST!YOUR WITH MAWMAW NOW IM JEALOUS!PAW PAW PROTECT ME THROUGH LIFE N I KNOW YOU WILL! I'LL NEVER FORGET ALL THE SPECIAL STUFF WE DID I COULD GO ON N ON BUT PAW PAW ILL SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE! I LOVE YOU N YOULL BE GREATLY MISSED! LOVE YOUR GRAND DAUGHTER HEATHER SIMPSON AKA TOOTIE! MUAH

Greg Henderson

December 29, 2009

I will miss the sound of Jimmy's laughter, the pride demonstrated when he would tell stories of how things used to be done at Advance and the broad smile of a friend when he would come through the door with a cup of joe in one hand and a Hardee's biscuit in the other. It was an honor getting to know and work with Jimmy. Rest in peace my friend.

Cheryl Markham

December 28, 2009

It was a priviledge to have worked with Jimmy at Advance Auto. He was truly "One in a Million". His motto will continue to inspire us for many years to come. My sincere sympathies go out to his family and friends.

James & Karla Parker

December 28, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Nicholas Taubman

December 28, 2009

Jimmy Simpson had character that helped shape the best that came from Advance
Auto over many years. He was a loyal and fine person first, to my father Arthur Taubman, and then to me. Everyone recognized Jimmy for his no-nonsense approach to his life and work.

He was generous and loving of his family and those around him. His memory will be for a blessing

Lisa Burns

December 28, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He was a part of our advance family for years. He was a very nice and polite person.

Susanne Webb

December 28, 2009

Mr. Simpson was the kindest, sweetest coolest person I had ever known in my life..sorry I didn't get to see him more often. He use to stop into our office on his way to the advance when it was down here on salem ave. He was a gift from heaven...thats for sure..

Cindy

December 27, 2009

I love and miss you Granddaddy. You were such a wonderful person and a great Granddaddy!

steven gravely

December 27, 2009

It was truly a blessing to have known jimmy,what a beautiful smile,rest in peace my friend.

CHASITY KINGERY

December 27, 2009

PAWPAW SIMPSON YOU WELL BE GREATLY MISSED, YOU WAS A KIND , LOVEING PERSON. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU BUT WE KNOW YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE, WITH MAWMAW. AND YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN OVER US IN HEAVEN WITH JESUS. WE LOVE YOU AND TO ALL THE FAMILY I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. YOUR ALL IN MY PRAYERS. AND I LOVE YOU ALL.

Barbara Myers

December 27, 2009

To the family my prayers and thoughts go out to you.Jimmy was a joy to work with.Jimmy kept things real and had a way with everyone.I have and alot of others have great memories to cherish and share of Jimmy.I will miss him but can rest knowing he is one of our Angels looking down on us.

Jim & Becky Wheeler

December 27, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Carolyn Davis

December 27, 2009

I will always remember Uncle Jerry as a kind and caring person who loved the Lord. I know there's a celebration going on in heaven now as he no longer suffers from these earthly afflictions, and as he renews his acquaintance with all of his loved ones who've gone on before him and as he sees his savior for the first time. May the Lord comfort all of you with precious memories during this time of adjustment and grief.

Carolyn Sue Lilly, Davis

Carolyn

December 26, 2009

I will miss you Granddaddy. I know you are happy and well now. Thank you for giving me wonderful memories that I will hold onto forever. I love you and will see you again someday.

Larry Lilly

December 26, 2009

Bonny, Johnny and all the family: Our prayers are with you in your loss. But your loss is heaven's gain. Uncle Jerry had a real impact on my life. May God confort and fill the void left with His presence and love.
Larry & Sharon Lilly

Rebekah

December 26, 2009

Love you, Granddaddy. You were the perfect example of Faith. I'm sure there was much rejoicing in Heaven when you arrived.

Linda& Larry Pulz

December 26, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

December 26, 2009

Jimmy had the best personality. He will be sadly missed. He will always be in my heart.

Rira Williams (Roanoke VA)

Allen Ragland

December 26, 2009

I worked with Jimmy for 25 yrs, One of the hardest workers I've seen Jimmy was well liked by many, he will be missed by many. REST IN PEACE JIMMY

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