James Edward Simpson

James Edward Simpson

11/30/1943 – 1/2/2026

Age: 82. Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA

James Edward Simpson passed away unexpectedly on 1/2/2026 in his home.He was a loving parent and grandparent, proud community activist, knowledgeable real estate broker and a very hard worker.

He was born on November, 30 1943 in Reidsville, NC to William Simpson and Odessa Graves.

He was one of five children (four brothers and one sister) raised in a tight knit family in Reidsville, NC, a small town outside Greensboro, NC. He developed an early love of education and learning and asked to go to school early. Raised in a small, close-knit community, James or “Sonny” as some called him, developed a deep appreciation for neighbors and lifelong friendships.

James Edward Simpson attended North Carolina A&T University and graduated with a business degree. He served in the United States Air Force, was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska and served in the Air Force Reserves for many years after.

He was an innovative businessman with his career including working for many years as a bank manager as well as working for the State of Ohio. His pride and joy was his Real Estate business, Crescent Realty.

James Edward Simpson married Germaine Branch, and together they enjoyed many business and friendly relationships with other families in the Central Ohio Area.

He has one son, James Edward Simpson, Jr. (Kwadjo), and four granddaughters (Lauryn, Shyla, Ruby and Pearl)

Family meant love, comfort and support for him.

He loved working on houses, helping people buy and sell houses and helping build the community around him. He was very proud of the work he did as a Northeast Area Commissioner, a member of the Somerset Civic Association in addition to running the Mifflin Youth Sports Association (little league football) for many years.

A favorite saying of his was: “Work smarter, not harder”

James Edward Simpson leaves behind his sister Louvenia Crawford, his former wife Germaine Richards, their son James Edward Simpson, Jr. (Kwadjo), daughter-in-law Felicia Conley-Simpson (Jira), four granddaughters Lauryn Simpson, Shyla Latimore-Simpson, Ruby Simpson and Pearl Simpson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents William Simpson and Odessa Graves, brothers Al Simpson, Frank Simpson & Charles Simpson.

James leaves behind a legacy of love for learning, hard work, caring and integrity. He was willing to give you the shirt off his back if he had one and you needed one. He cared deeply for his neighbors and community and we are saddened by his loss.

A Celebration of Life will be held on:

Date: April 3rd 2026

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you call or check on an old friend or loved one that you haven’t talked to in a while.

“Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance..” -Kahlil Gibran