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BORN
1955
DIED
2019
Junior Simpson Obituary
JR was born on June 27, 1955 in Savannah, IL to Kenneth Blair and Leola Alicia Simpson and raised in Mount Carroll, IL. JR and Nina Nabor married August 16, 1980, together they raised five children and spent 39 years by each others' sides. JR worked as a carpenter and operated his own general contracting business. He was a black belt in traditional karate-do, a lover and performer of all types of music, particularly bluegrass, and a devoted fan to his beloved Cubbies and Bears. JR valued nothing more than time spent with his family.
Preceded in death by his mother and eldest brother Kenneth Russell, JR is survived by his father, his wife Nina and their five children: Dylan, Lucas, Cali, Tessa, and Shane and their respective partners Amy, Monte, Scott, and Josh; three grandsons: Cooper, Riley, and Bodhi; siblings Bonnie and Bob Donnell, Sue, Glen and Linda Simpson, and Kevin; and his in-laws Nancy and Paul Nabor.
A service in celebration of JR's life will be held on Friday, November 15 from 4 to 8 pm at the American Legion, 1030 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201. Interested attendees are invited to bring an instrument to play in a jam session in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in JR's name to Bravo! Waukegan.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Junior Simpson
Tony Wolf
December 5, 2019
Dear Nina,I can't tell you ho shocked and saddened I was upon hearing of J.R.'s passing.I have so many great memories of him during and especially outside of work.It was so appropriate that he had that huge bear carved out of that tree stump in your backyard in Glencoe as he was a bear of a guy! Take comfort in the fact that his fantastic spirit will be with you and your family always. My most sincere sympathies and condolences from me and my entire family to yours. He will be sorely missed.
December 5, 2019
Nina,I was so shocked and saddened upon hearing of JR's passing.I had so many great times working with him and especially outside of work.He actually made work fun.It was so fitting that you guys had that huge bear carved out of that tree stump in your backyard in Glencoe as he was a bear of a guy!Take comfort in the fact that his fantastic spirit will be with you and your entire family always. I will follow this up with a letter as soon as I have the appropriate words. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your entire family from mine. He will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Tony Wolf and family
Matt Johnstone
November 22, 2019
I worked for Jr a long time ago and considered him a friend and just a great guy. Always smiling, always happy and always brought a smile to my face whenever he popped into mind. Our love of music was something we always shared.
November 19, 2019
Junior was the most kind and gentle man and will be missed by so many.
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Marc Edelstein
November 16, 2019
My heart is broken for the Simpson family.
I was always eager to spend time with JR talking bass; his enthusiasm and care were contagious. It was an enormous pleasure to see him in an audience taking it all in. I regret not having more time with him and his warm spirit.
My deepest condolences to you all.
Russell & Cindy Phillips
November 16, 2019
We met JR just a few months ago through business and are honored to have known him. He was one of the special souls to have graced this world and we will miss him. Our deepest condolences.
Tammie Adrian/Sipes
November 14, 2019
So very sorry for your loss. I knew Junior from school. He was a great guy and always laughing and smiling. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nansi and mike Chandler-norum
November 14, 2019
Nina , how saddened we were to hear of your true love's passing. Although we never had met JR, we felt we knew him through your posts. He loved life, you and his family. May you all be blessed to know this. Blessings of Peace to each of you.
Lorena Bacci
November 13, 2019
I was privileged to meet JR through his business many years ago and became fast friends. He was a wonderful man who was so proud of his family. He'll be missed. RIP JR
Andy Olcott
November 13, 2019
I've had the pleasure of playing music with JR on and off for the past few years. He was a member of our amateur bluegrass band. He played banjo, guitar and most recently, bass. Equally impressive was his shining personality. He added humor and joy into each rehearsal and performance. He will be instantly, and forever, missed.
Laura Heeringa
November 13, 2019
JR was one of the greatest guys , a light is gone. His smile and laugh lit up our high school days. We all Have great memories...
November 13, 2019
He was one of the good guys. I can't remember seeing him without a smile, and a kind word.
November 13, 2019
My husband and I went to school with Junior. What a great guy! So sorry for your loss. Don and Teresa Nowviock
Lisa Sniderman
November 13, 2019
My brother-in-law JR was a multi-talented, kind, hard-working, and generous person. He had a fantastic sense of humor. He was also an absolutely devoted husband, father of 5, and grandfather of 3. He took enormous pride and delight in watching (and helping) his offspring grow up. We are so sorry he is gone, and we share in the Simpson family's heartbreak.
Idelle Melamed
November 12, 2019
JR was a very very special man, the definition of a good friend to so many, a gracious, positive, generous and beautiful soul who will be missed by all who knew him. I will always see him surrounded by his big beautiful family, smiling from ear to ear, and making any situation better and more fun. I met him in the karate arena and in that karate tradition he was immediately a support and a shoulder to the entire dojo. HIs loving and beautiful family will carry on his spirit as they all have so much of him in their souls as well. But there are no words to comfort the gaping hole he will leave in their hearts and in their lives. I am supremely grateful to have known him.
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