Joseph Simons

Joseph Simons, PhD, 1944-2025. Joseph was a deeply caring man. He was sincere in his interactions, leading a value-based life. He was committed to his family and friends as well as helping others effect change. He was a lifetime learner, curious about human nature, other cultures and lands, nature, music, and literature. He could be counted for an insightful and humorous discussion on most topics. He had an intimate relationship with the Divine.
Joseph Simons, age 80, of Cross Junction, Virginia died at home on March 13, 2025. He was born in Havre-De-Grace, Maryland in 1944. He grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma with his parents Dwight and Breda Simons. He was the older brother to his three siblings: Ray Simons, Connie Walsh, and Sandy Whitcomb.
Joseph Simons earned a college bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation. He earned his Doctorate from the University of Memphis in Counseling Psychology, completing an externship with Dr. Russell Haber, Counseling and Human Development Center, University of South Carolina. Dr. Simons also completed extensive continuing education in a variety of psychological treatment approaches. The work and writings of Dr. Haber and Dr. Steven Hayes significantly influenced his work with clients during his career. In addition to his doctoral dissertation, he wrote selections for a variety of journals and textbooks.
Joseph Simons served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to1970 as a General Accounting Specialist. Most notably, he served our troops and families as a civilian Psychologist for the U.S. Army from 2002 until his federal retirement in December 2021. He worked at a variety of base clinics in Germany as well as Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. He continued to provide therapy services at Carpe Diem Counseling, Winchester, Virginia from 2022-2024. Helping others to create change and growth was paramount for Dr. Simons. He genuinely liked all his clients, finding a way to hear and honor them!
Joseph met Pat Simons, the love of his life, in 2006 in Bamberg, Germany. Initially they were professional colleagues. Their relationship blossomed into friendship. After Pat accepted a position at another Army installation in late 2008, it became
evident that their relationship had deepened even more. At this point, love became evident for both. Their courtship included long walks, sharing chocolate chip cookies, competitive Scrabble games, tasty food and wine, travel, and adventure. They began their married life in July 2011 after two weddings. The first took place at the Rathaus (city hall,) Bamberg Germany on July 4, 2011, followed by their church wedding at the family chapel of the castle in Obertheres, Germany.
Emilie Simons is the wonderful daughter of Joseph. She shares her father's love of prime numbers, nature, art, and adventure. Joseph joked about his desire to "impart wisdom." He did impart wisdom with Emilie providing him with her wisdom. Recent visits with her in Germany and Australia brought him immense happiness! Emilie and "Doc" live in Tasmania, Australia.
David Burr is the wonderful stepson of Joseph. David and Katrina have blessed the lives of Joseph and Pat as a couple and with their three amazing children. Rheece, Aiden, and Addisyn have meant the world to Joseph. Visiting the wonderful places the Coast Guard sent David and his family, sharing a beer with David, experiencing his 1st family cruise and his 1st deep sea fishing trip in the Florida Keys, visiting Aiden at Maine Maritime Academy, visiting Rheece at East Carolina University and going to football games, soccer games and dance recitals have been sources of ongoing joy for Joseph. Joseph had a soft spot for his furry friends. His cats have been members of the family, beginning with Bailey and most recently with Imo and Ali. In addition, Joseph's love for birds and insects is apparent in his knowledge of genus and species. His multiple bird feeders provided him with regular sightings.
While reserved, Joseph had deep and meaningful friendships. He felt close to his brother and sisters along with Pat's brothers and sister. He remarked about how delighted he was in talking with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was grateful at how they had grown into such amazing adults and adolescents. Joseph and Pat were best friends. Their mutual friends are all over the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Italy.
In the purest of terms, Joseph was a true sojourner. He prayed and meditated daily in addition to reading the scriptures of Urantia along with the Bible. He supported and participated in a variety of community outreach activities of Grace Episcopal Church, Berryville, Virginia. He also supported the Piedmont Singers attending worship services and performances. From 2009-2024, he traveled with the choir as a "Pilgrim" when the choir traveled to and sang in English cathedrals.
Joseph spent considerable time daily reading the news, comics, and literature. He read and extensively researched topics. Being thorough and knowledgeable were important as well. Joseph's writing included journal entries and poetry. He was also artistic, drawing on occasion. Joseph was "wickedly smart." Joseph loved and valued curiosity, mindful attention, and laughter. He was physically fit and had a regular work-out routine. He loved to cook and enjoy tasty food and wine. He enjoyed taking care of his pets. Travel was invigorating to him. Music was continually in the background with everything from classical to rock.
We will always remember Joseph for his love, commitment, and caring. He was sensitive, curious, and funny. His mindfulness and sense of order often caught the attention of others. Friends quickly became part of Joseph's extended family. Having family meant the world to Joseph.
We will always remember him with his greetings of "Hey, Sugar! "Hey, Dude! When amazed or intrigued, he would say with total sincerity and delight "Cool Man!"He was also known to make profound remarks such as "I was at a loss, but that's perfect!" and "People are doing the best they can." If only he could say these one more time.
We cannot ask Joseph to have been a better man. He was the best! We love him and will miss him deeply. Joseph's memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; Dwight and Breda Simons, his father and mother-in-law Hank and Aileen Leidecker, and his niece Kendra Leidecker Cowan.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, his daughter, Emilie (Doc), his stepson, David (Katrina) Burr and three grandchildren, Rheece, Aiden, and Addisyn along with his siblings, Ray (Pat) Simons, Connie (Jim) Walsh, and Sandy (Gary) Whitcomb, and Pat's siblings, Hank (Mary Lou) Leidecker, Edward (Cheri) Leidecker, Maryann (Jim) Lincoln along with nieces and nephews: Mandy (Chris) Simons, Jared Simons, James (Rachel) Walsh, Joel (Meredith) Walsh, Blake (Seema) Whitcomb, Courtney (Justin) Hininger, Katrina (Dan) Moyse, Kevin (Sonia) Lincoln, Jessica (Eddie) Lincoln, in addition to many great nephews and nieces.
A private viewing for the immediate family will take place on March 21, 2025, at Jones Funeral Home in Winchester, Virginia. A Celebration of Life will be on July 13, 2025, at Grace Episcopal Church, Berryville, Virginia. A party at the home of Joseph and Pat Simons in Cross Junction, Virginia will follow the service as we share good company, stories, and amazing memories of Joseph's life!
If so moved, please make donations in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.