John Norman Simensen Jr.

John Norman Simensen Jr. passed away February 19, 2023, at the age of 76. Born on October 7, 1946, in Colonial Beach, Virginia, John received his high school diploma from James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, VA before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1966. He was honorably discharged from the Navy due to an accident that left him disabled and burnt over 60% of his body. Yet John always kept a positive view on life and never gave up on himself nor the world around him. He traveled in Europe, met his first wife Liliane Bernard in France, had three children, and moved to Livry-Gargan in 1979. In 1986 he returned to the United States to live in Ohio, which is where he met his current wife Betty Flynn and her three sons in 1987. He continued his education and received a bachelor's degree from Miami University in education, social studies, and history. John and Betty settled in Oxford, OH, where they were married in 2000 and John taught at Talawanda High School for several years. In 2006, they retired to New Bern, North Carolina; there, John followed his passion for fishing, crabbing, boating, traveling, and politics.
John is survived by his wife Betty, his brother Jack (Mary) Simensen, his children Emily (Robin) Stow, Yann (Anna) Simensen, Melissa (Matt) Frey, Matt (Leah) Flynn, Joe (Carlin) Flynn, and James (Jenni) Flynn; his grandchildren Moyra & Cate Stow, Ophelia & Darwin Simensen, Miles & Maxton Frey, Ava, Nora & Seamus Flynn, Charlie, Henry & Owen Flynn, and Wilder & Fiona Flynn; his many sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, his numerous nieces and nephews, and too many friends to mention.
He was preceded in death by his mother Ina Simensen, his father John Simensen Sr., his brother-in-law Francis Bernard, his sister Ina Fields, his first wife Liliane Bernard, and his brothers Charlie and Jim Simensen.
John was a Navy man, an inspiring teacher, a great political campaign manager, a Sons of Norway member, and an avid fisherman. John wore many hats throughout his life, but the role he was most proud of was being a family man - a proud father, a caring grandfather, and a loving husband. Rest in peace among the stars, dad, grandpa & honey bunny you deserve it.