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Jeff Simpson Obituary
He did not work at the World Trade Center, was not aboard a hijacked plane and was not a rescue worker called to the scene. But Jeff L. Simpson, a 38-year-old project manager for Oracle Systems, had spent hundreds of nights and weekends volunteering with the local ambulance squad near his home in Dumfries, Va. "He definitely was all heart," said his brother, Michael.
He pulled trapped adults out of wrecks and freed children stuck in railings. Once, on a Saturday morning when a neighbor's elderly friend broke her arm, Mr. Simpson heard the 911 call on his scanner and roared up on his motorcycle in time to help. "Even when he wasn't on duty, he was always on duty," said his wife, Diane, recalling countless trips in the car that were sidetracked because he spotted flames or another sign that someone might be in distress.
He happened to be in New York when he heard about the trade center attack. He left the state attorney general's office at 120 Broadway, where he had been setting up a new computer system, and was last seen headed for the north tower, his wife said.
Recently his son Max, 7, and one of triplets, was watching a television program that offered a $1 million prize. "I wouldn't take a million dollars," he told his mother, "if I could have my daddy back."
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Michele (Shelly) Joyner Flowers
September 11, 2022
Last week I took my twins to the 911 memorial in New York. We look to find Jeff´s name. I told them funny stories about going to school with Jeff and riding the bus to Newport News intermediate. On this 21st. anniversary of the horrific attacks my thoughts and prayers go out to the Simpson family.
David Vance
February 12, 2021
I went to school with Jeff he was also on my little league baseball team at Warwick moose R.I.P.
Sandi simpson
March 27, 2019
Every day I think about your loss. So sorry for the grief you have endured. Thoughts and prayers,
Janet Lockstampfor
September 12, 2018
Yes, I may add you are not forgotten each year on 9/11.... I pray for your family each morning this day. Ms. Ruby was a great prayer warrior that I learned much from her and those we prayed with. God bless each of you. It is hard to believe it has been 17 years as it seems as yesterday. I remember all that what went on this day, where I was, and the sadness shared with work family.
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Robin Bobrick
September 10, 2018
Love you Sally Simpson...thinking of you today❤❤Robin Bobrick
R A
January 29, 2017
My husband and I married after a long engagement, due to the impact of 9/11.
We currently live in your family home and Mrs. H across the street shares stories of your youth. Our family feels the love in your home.
My father was an EMT/parametric in Pennsylvania years ago.
You are a true hero. Although I haven't had the opportunity to meet your family, you are often in our thoughts, as well as your family.
You shall not be forgotten.
Mary Schultz
September 11, 2016
Each year I sit and think about how proud Sally and Don are of they're amazing and strong son. I worked at the home Sally shared with Don for a few years and each year Sally would speak with such pride for Jeff. After Don passed away I knew they were looking down on Sally with a smile and so much love. The loss of a child is something you never fully understand and the loss of such an amazingly strong and wonderful man and son is a loss like no other.
Sally today again I told my kids about you and Jeff and the story how he ran to help even when he didn't have to. How he dropped everything and saved many lives. You and your family are forever in my hearts and I miss you and Don very much. Love to you all
Janet Lockstampfor
September 12, 2015
Just to let you know I have prayed every year since... think of your Mother Ruby most Sundays in the prayer room at North Riverside.... just in case you are interested Sally and Don...
Ferguson High 1970 reunion Saturday, October 10at 5:00pm
Newport News Marriott at City Center
740 Town Center Dr, Newport News, Virginia 23606
You can find me on facebook... would love to see you there.
Mary Dick
September 11, 2015
To Michael, I should have done this long ago. We were in elementary school together at RT Yates and at Trinity Lutheran. I remember your poems about your bike in third grade and lima beans in 7th grade.
I found out about your brother Jeff from Peggy Booth in 2002 when I was working at Ukrops after being laid off. I don't even know how our conversation went to find out who each other was. But she told me about Jeff and my heart broke for you and his family.
Your brother died doing what great Americans do -- selflessly trying to help others. He is a true hero.
I know you miss him every day, but your heart has to be especially heavy today. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
September 10, 2015
Jeff will always be in my heart. Love my little cousin dearly!
Amelia Hellman
September 11, 2014
Jeff and I were high school friends at Ferguson and on this the anniversary of that deadly attack my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Ame Hellman, Washington DC
Sharon & Bob Southard
August 8, 2013
Thank you Jeff. I know God has a special place in heaven for you. Your memory is cherished here on earth.
Jeff Simpson
September 11, 2012
I truely believe we met before your passing.I was injured 5 years ago.i want to meet your family
Dennis Baldwin
September 11, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Jeff at Oracle for a few years and I still think of him often and I still miss him
Janer Lockstampfor
September 12, 2010
Sally, Don and Family,
You continue to be in my prayers. I miss Ms. Ruby also. Such a prayer warrior. God bless you in the years to come.
In Christ Love.
Janet Lockstampfor (North Riverside Baptist Church)
P.S. Does the post before mine mean Ferguson High School? 1970-1971
September 11, 2010
I asked everyone that I have been given the opportunity to get back in touch with from FHS to not forget you. We double dated for homecoming back in the day, because you had a broken leg. Nothing stopped you from making that date as well as anything in life...so tragic, but a reminder to everyone that nothing is guaranteed in life. Live it to the fullest and always help those who are in need. Jeff died by living by those credos. RIP we need more like you in the world!
Cody Simpson
September 8, 2010
You will be missed dearly
Jhon 3:16
Janet Lockstampfor
September 11, 2009
Dear Simpson Family,
You are in my thoughts today and as you are many days. May you find the peace in our Loving Father. God bless each of you. I didn't know Jeff but his grandmother Ruby Simpson. We prayed together each Sunday morning. I remember the days after the 9-11 and the prayers she prayed for Jeff and your family. She was a special lady and will always be remembered.
In Christ Prayer and Love.
Janet
North Riverside Baptist Church. Newport News. Virginia.
Carl Walston
August 22, 2009
Jeff was my manager while working at National Computer Systems in Virginia at the time, a subcontractor to Boeing on contract with HQ NASA. When he accepted the job with Oracle, he recommended me to replace him. It was my first management position - one of those career milestones you never forget where you were and the people involved. Jeff is a solid man and home with Christ continuing his unselfish ways.
Stan Pratt
May 23, 2009
I Knew Jeff through my ex-wife (Karen Bartsch) when we were living with her mother (Delores Bartsch) He was always willing to help others at anytime. This time was no different. Godspeed Jeff! You ARE truly a hero!
Bridgette Jackson
November 19, 2008
He hired me to work in his group as a consultant at Oracle. I worked out of an office in Maryland. I remember the phone interview and he was asking the normal questions. He asked where I was from and I said Chesapeake, VA and he said that was a PLUS. I was nervous about the interview and he broke the ice with that. He was just so nice! He drove up to meet us one day at the office. The other consultants who didn't report to him wanted to transfer to his team. He was well-liked!! Right from the beginning, you knew how much he loved his family and loved helping others. He had a BIG HEART! God bless his family.
Lisa Givens-Worley
October 3, 2008
I remember Jeff from highschool - a neighbor and a friend. I song on the radio about 911 reminded me of him today, and when I came to work, this verse for the day was on my computer.....so I thought I would pass it on: "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13
Stanislav Genis
September 12, 2008
He was a Big Man. God will bless his family.
Chaplain Duane Brawner
September 4, 2008
Diane, I think about Jeff every year around this time! I really miss him alot! What a true Hero he was! I Love you Jeff and miss you!
December 21, 2007
Years have passed since the death on Jeff Simpson. I didn't know him myself but I am friends with his kids Max, Leeann, and Elaina Simpson. I feel so much sorrow for my friends and their mom Diane. I feel so much sadness for them. If my dad died I wouldn't know what to do.
Steve Wardius
September 13, 2007
Jeff Simpson and I were carpool mates back in the early to mid 90's. We rode with Joe Shue who worked with me at GSA's 7th and D Sts SW location. Jeff was most interesting to talk to and his positive, full-of-life attitude was infectious. I didn't know about his death until some months ago.
kristine
August 19, 2007
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Chaplain Duane Brawner
May 28, 2007
Jeff,
I thinking about you everyday! I really do miss you Buddy! Thanks
for your brave act that you told on Sept. 11th 2001!
P Tabbernor
March 11, 2007
In memory....
Jeff Simpson
September 13, 2006
I didn't know Jeff but I have always felt weird about 9-11 and I think I now know why. I am now 43 and was 38 that day as well.
My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. God bless.
Jeff
Janet Lockstampfor
September 7, 2006
Dear Simpson Family,
You do not know me, nor did I know Jeff. I prayed with Ruby Simpson every Sunday Morning at North Riverside Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia.She was a faithful prayer warrior/Christian witness. I pray daily for all those that lost loved ones. Also for those who serve our country and protect us. May God continue to be with you and give you peace. Jeff will be remembered by me and others. God bless you.Praying for you.
In Christ Love, Janet Lockstampfor
N.R.B.C. Prayer Ministry Team
When bad things happen to us it is because we can become more like Jesus Christ.
Remember these words from the Bible in your time of sorrow: Ecclesiastes, 3: 1-8 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. When bad things happen to us it is because we can become more like Jesus Christ.
derek blayer
May 14, 2006
It may have been almost 5 years ago, but your name still touches me, and your story makes me still believe in "hero's"
Katherine Domorod
September 11, 2003
I was both heartbroken and very proud to hear of the loss of this brave man.
As a member of a volunteer firefighting family (husband, 2 sons & I are all active FF/NREMT-B) I understand Jeff's actions on that horrible day and feel a tremendous brotherhood.
To his family: may God bless and support you, and please know that this exceptional man is being remembered, even by those who did not know him personally - we know his heart.
I feel a special connection: my son was a proud member of Dumphries-Triangle briefly while stationed at Quantico, MCB, although his Marine Corps duties and family precluded him from being as active as he would have liked.
Thank you Jeff. Your sacrifice and selflessness are what make us all proud to be Americans.
Katherine
"There is no greater gift than that a man should give his life for another." John 15:13
Jonathan Pick
January 5, 2003
Rest in peace, Jeff. You are a hero to all of us here in Prince William County.
Rita
September 15, 2002
I did not know Jeff personally,but through my children, Shawn and Shannon, (their step-mother Marie, is Dianne's (Jeff's wife) sister. They have talked so much about Jeff over the years, all positive, that I have developed a soft spot in my heart for a person I absolutely had no contact with. I just know that Jeff must have been such a caring and compassionate young man with such a wonderful future ahead of him. I find myself grieving for this man whom I have had no contact with at all; but because my children thought so much of him; and knowing through stories from them what an unselfish person he was, and knowing that he ran to when everyone else was running from, just totally amazes me. What an extraordinarily brave and caring person. My heart aches when I think of this man I did not know - but yet I feel like I lost a very special person out of my life. God bless Jeff and his beautiful wife Dianne and thier three precious children -- what a tragic, senseless loss.
Bridgette Jackson
September 13, 2002
To a hero,
You found my resume on the web and hired me (over the phone!!) at Oracle to work for you on an assignment in Baltimore, MD. After chatting for a minute, we discover you and I both grew up in the same town!!! You said to me that's why we got along so well. VA baby!!!
And what a proud father...showing pictures of your children!!! What a terrific guy. You are dearly missed my friend.
I say a prayer for your wife and children. I lost my father at a young age and I understand the pain.
Jeff, you live on in your children...THEY ARE YOU WITH EVERY BREATH.
Peace and God Bless,
Bridgette
ann boudreaux
September 10, 2002
a church in my town gave away flags with the names of all our hereos. i recieved your husbands name. i want you and your family to know that i will be praying for all of you every day for at least a year. i will pray for his wife , the kids, his parents and siblings as well as yours. i know i can say nothing to make it better, but i sure can pray a lot and that is what i choose to do for you and your family.
god bless you all
ann boudreaux
Dawn Bucci
September 10, 2002
All I have to say is that I will truly miss you Jeff. As a members of DTRS, I will never forget the many duties we have run together, meeting your wonderfull family (including the cat) and what a great teacher you were. But most of all Jeff, I will never forget the way you always smiled and made everyone laugh. We will never forget you! You are truly a wonderfull person and an insperation to all. Thank you for everything and may God bless you and your family!
Dawn Bucci
Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad
MANDY ZINGER (Boyd)
September 9, 2002
I remember Jeff.... I'll never forget.
I was an EMT with DTRS and training to become a medic. I left Virginia in March, 1998, when I got married and moved to Chicago.
Jeff was still relatively new to the squad when I left, but he was intent on doing the best job he could and give his best effort for his squad and our patients. He was also quite funny and a pleasure to work with.
I wish he were here with us! My prayers are with you.
Juanita Shultz
September 6, 2002
My daughter and I attended the Memorial service for the EMS in Roanoke, VA in May, 2002 and had the opportunity to meet Jeff's wife and children while waiting for a shuttle to take us back to the church. I feel blessed to have even gotten an opportunity to talk with his wife and have prayed for his family often since then. I will never forget them.
Christina Miller
September 6, 2002
I didn't know Jeff personally but mu husband Steve worked with him at USI (on all the I.A. projects). He mentioned years ago when he worked with Jeff that he was a person who wanted to make a difference. EMT was his first love and helping people. I remember at the time thinking that it was so refreshing to hear my husband working with someone of that character in such a self-centered materalistic world. Boy if we would have only knew then how selfless this soul really was.
I pray for his wife & children. I'll be thinking of your family on 9-11 and what you have suffered. God Bless Your Family, and my prayers are with you.
Guy Serle
July 16, 2002
To my friend Jeff,
We were roomates for 3 years and friends much longer than that. I remember setting off fireworks with you at Diane's father's house and almost having it go up in our faces! Watching you eat some ice cream concoction when I was eating a salad trying to lose weight. Your insistance that your losing at some video game was because you needed glasses. Introducing me to two girls that I dated for some length of time until some weird happenstance broke up the relationship. Afterwords, I told you if you ever introduced me to another girl, I'd punch you in the nose! I remember racing down I-95 and Rte 1 to the Newport News area (you to see your parents and me to visit one of the girls you introduced me to). Your many cars (never satisfied with one of them). Mostly, I remember your kind and generous spirit. You were taken long before your time Jeff, but your legacy lives on through Diane and the kids.
Your friend,
Guy
Karma Ester
June 6, 2002
I think I may be the only person who has signed this book that knew you as an EMT and a friend. You will never know how much I miss running duty with you, your driving or talking about our kids. You are truly my hero.
Karma Ester
Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad
Angie Campbell
May 16, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
April 30, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..JEFF L.SIMPSON AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK ..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN....AMEN
Teresa Jahn
April 18, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your tremendous loss of Jeff. We thank him with all our hearts for dedicating his life as a volunteer EMS responder. Such dedication comes with a heart filled with courage, warmth and love of his fellow man. May Jeff's courage, life and love live on in all his loved ones and in those who have been touched by his life. May warm memories of times shared with Jeff lighten the sorrow in your hearts. May Jeff's love radiate warmth into your hearts as he share his love with you in a new way. Our hearts cry with you in America's loss of a hero.
Teresa Jahn and family
Shawn Baugh
April 4, 2002
My family and I were so fortunate to be friends of Jeff Simpson and his wife. Our children are friends of his children. We were all so blessed to have known Jeff. He was an angel even before he left us. Jeff was always available to help us, celebrate birthdays with us, or just to talk to us. Jeff truly loved being a volunteer EMT. Whenever we saw him he eagerly told us about his latest rescue. Helping others was a true passion of his. He was so willing to sacrafice his weekends and even one night a week to volunteer his time. This on top of being an executive with many pressures and stresses. Jeff would be so proud of how well his wife and children are dealing with his death. Diane has been so strong and so commited to making sure people know what Jeff was about. Jeff will remain in our hearts forever
bridgette & morris robinson
March 31, 2002
i keep going trew guest book to guest book signing and signing and everytime i begin to think about stoping for till the next day, i come along another one guest book. may god bless jeff's family and we will never forget its just a shame so many good man and women have past away and wife's and children and husband to have to face this..
you our all in hearts forever. brave men like you jeff ..we just shouldn't have to lose you or anyone else like you thank you jeff
for helping all you may have helped i wish i could bring him back to his children everyone takes the world and most important people for granted that we think they will be here forever intill we lose someone close to us remember to say your love you while u can god bless
Neil & Connie Volder
March 12, 2002
As everyone was fleeing from the terrorist act at the WTC, Jeff was seen running toward the danger, in an attempt to help others. In those hours right after the attack, everyone who knew Jeff knew that was exactly what he had done. The true tragedy is that his children will not enjoy the comfort of his innate protective spirit. Now the full burden will rest upon their mother and Jeff's wife, Diane. Our prays are with them. While Jeff will no longer be with us physically, his spirit will always be a part of each of us who were fortunate to have known him.
James Doyle
March 3, 2002
My wife called me at work and said, "Turn on a TV". I watched along with my co-workers as the second plane struck the WTC. It all seemed so far away and unreal. Then, a plane struck the Pentagon and the instructions were to go home. I quickly complied thinking how lucky I was to have the rest of the nice sunny September day off and that I wasn't anywhere near the chaos.
It was a quite forty-five minute ride home. The radio had become depressing and music seemed out of place. I felt guilty enjoying the warm wind while so many others were not so lucky.
I arrived home and again watched some of the coverage. I now saw the degree of destruction at both sites and learned of the plane crash in PA. My wife had departed to pick up our son from school. I watched with my mother-in-law only a little longer before going outside to enjoy the nice weather. I kept thinking of how lucky I was that I knew of no one who worked in or around the areas targeted.
A phone call from a friend the next day revealed the somber news. At first it seemed impossible but reality put Jeff near the WTC. I felt sorry for his triplets and wife, Diane.
It was not so easy to think about being lucky anymore. I felt wounded and what had seemed so far away just moments before now invaded all my thoughts.
I miss my former co-worker and friend. I felt guilty that I had not visited him more and that the opportunity to play another game of racquetball was not to be. He was a good hearted person. I will forever remember his smile and laugh. It was a pleasure to know him and I was lucky to be his friend. I wish now that I was not so lucky to know any heroes.
Victoria Stout
February 5, 2002
It has been forever and a day since the last time I saw you and then this had to happen. I know you probably wouldn't recognize me now since I have grown up, but I am still that little Vickie that you used to know. I just can't believe this happened. When I saw your picture in the Daily Press my mouth literally dropped to the floor. I couldn't believe it, the only thing I could do was cry. When I was little and didn't have a descent father to look up to, I certainly looked up to you as one. Especially since you were so kind to my mom during the hard times she had to face. My heart goes out to your mom and dad and your wife and children. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and how brave you must have been on that September day.
Love,
Vickie Stout {Nancy and Jack Zuskin's Granddaughter}
Kimberly Anderson-Rudisill
January 23, 2002
I didn't know you personally, but I know your wife Diane and I think about your bravery everyday. I hope your triplets will know the sacrifice you made to help people you didn't even know and how much your death has affected even those of us who did not have the pleasure of knowing you. Our love and thoughts are with your family. The Rudisill Family, Woodbridge, Virginia.
Teresa Jahn
December 11, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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