James Simpson

James “Christopher” Simpson passed away February 24, 2008, in Williamsburg, Virginia, after a heroic battle against cancer. Christopher was born November 4, 1955, in Anderson, South Carolina. In 1980, he married Millicent “Millie” Lee Reece, and together they created son, David, and daughter, Sara. He is survived by his mother, Lois Shoolbred; brother, Dave Simpson, and half sister, Sara Simpson. He was preceded in death by his father, David Simpson.

Christopher earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

Christopher was a sought-after international consultant on higher education marketing, media and crisis communications. He taught enhanced media relations, media training and crisis communications to leaders at more than 1000 independent schools, colleges, universities and associations plus business leaders in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe. His first book, Weathering the Storm: How to Protect Your Brand in the Worst of Times, was published in March 2007.

He founded Simpson Communications in 2002, which evolved into Washington, D.C.-based SimpsonScarborough in 2006. The firm is renowned for assisting colleges and universities in their development of brand strategies that endure.

A former political writer for The Washington Times, Christopher covered Congress and national politics and also served as the newspaper’s Capitol Hill bureau chief and assistant national editor. Stories he covered in the 1980s ranged from the U.S. Congress to the White House to the Iran Contra scandal to the Challenger shuttle disaster.

He later served as press secretary to U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, handling media duties for the senator’s office and also for Republicans on the Senate Judiciary and Armed Services committees. Christopher then moved into senior marketing and media administration at three major research universities, the University of South Carolina, the University of Oregon and Indiana University.

Christopher was best known for his sharp wit and hearty laughter. All who loved him appreciated hearing of his most recent adventures on Athena, his sailboat; and his pride-filled tales of his children. He was an avid outdoorsman and he spent his time in nature as a snow skier, touring bicyclist, scuba diver, kayaker and fly fisherman. Christopher once raised llamas commercially, was a master gardener and avid cook. But most importantly of all, Christopher was a husband, son, father, friend and mentor. And he will be missed dearly.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 28th at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Visitation with the family will begin at 1 p.m. and the service will begin at 2 p.m. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the Simpson family has asked that donations be made in Christopher’s name to the charity of one’s choice.