John Thomas Simpson

John Thomas Simpson died October 31, 2009 at Driftwood Healthcare Center in Santa Cruz.

John was born October 11, 1931 to James Anthony and Mary Josephine Simpson in Denver, Colorado, moving during his childhood to Fresno, California. After graduating from high school, John attended Fresno State College for two years, then enlisted in the United States Army. He learned to speak Mandarin Chinese at the Army Language School in Monterey and was sent to Taiwan, where he served as an interpreter.

John was discharged from the Army in 1957, and went on to earn a B.A. and an M.A from San Francisco State College. He became a counselor and social studies teacher, working for many years at Carlmont High School and Sequoia High School in Redwood City.

John moved from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz in 2003. He loved Baseball, Jazz and silly jokes.

He is survived by daughters, Theresa and Melinda and sons, John and Martin, brother James Simpson of Aptos, sister, Barbara Weatherson of Fresno, 8 nieces and 4 nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret "Peggy" Meyer and his daughter, Katja Simpson.

Private services have been held. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1777 Capitola Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062.