James Henry Simpson Jr.

NEWPORT NEWS - James Henry Simpson, Jr., 79, wonderful father and husband, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, September 13, 2013. Jimmy was a native of Norfolk, VA and graduated from Maury High School in 1953. He served in the Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1963. Jimmy resided in the Hampton/Newport News area for nearly 50 years. He retired from C & P Telephone Company in 1989 after 35 years of service. As a member of the Exchange Club of Wythe since March 1996, he served as Chairman of the House Committee for many years and was awarded Exchangite of the Year in 2000 and 2007. Jimmy was recently preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Elsie Arnold Simpson. They loved to travel, and up until the past few years had the opportunity to go on many fun filled vacations to various locations with family and friends. Jimmy is survived by his loving family, his son, James H. Simpson, III and wife Stephanie, of Yorktown, VA; and his daughters, Gina S. Urquhart and Brian Young of Suffolk, VA; LaVonda S. Bailey and husband Ross of Glen Allen, VA; and G Lynette Scott and husband Michael of O'Fallon, IL. Jimmy is also survived by eight grandchildren: Samantha, Stephen (Bud), and Katherine Urquhart; Meghan Doane, Taylor and Shelby Scott, Mackenzie and Madison Busby; and one great granddaughter, Gabrielle. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Edwards. Like his wife Elsie, per Jimmy's heartfelt wishes, the Anatomy Gifts Registry of Hanover, MD has accepted him in order to benefit medical research and education programs. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In memory of Jimmy's never ending support for children with cancer, donations may be sent to: 501 St Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Orcutt Baptist Church, 653 Baxter Lane, Newport News, VA 23602. The church office number is (757)249-1280.