James "Jim" Joseph Simpson

James “Jim” Joseph Simpson was born on February 1, 1937 to Robert Thomas and Olsie (Pigg) Simpson in Irish Wilderness, Missouri. He grew up in Irish Wilderness and graduated from Freemont High School. Jim furthered his education at Washington University obtaining his Associate's Degree. Jim started his working career at Steak ‘n Shake in St. Louis, Missouri and worked his way up to general manager. You can even find his picture in several Steak ‘n Shake restaurants around the world. It was there that Jim met and later hired his sweetheart, Anita Louise Miles. The two fell in love and on November 20, 1963 in Granite City, Illinois they were united in marriage. Jim and Anita together shared fifty-five years before her passing on January 30, 2019. They were blessed with two sons: Bobby and Joe. Everything Jim accomplished in life was to make his family life better. He was a hard worker, honest, and well respected by everyone he met. Jim enjoyed working with his hands and was well known in the Viburnum community for his construction work. He took great pride in his work and built several homes until the late 1970s. Jim then started working at the Cominco Mines until he retired. Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time on the Rowden Farm. Some of Jim’s fondest memories were fishing and camping on the Meramec River with his family. Jim valued spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandson. Jim gave his life to the Lord at a young age and was a great man of faith. He was very passionate about winning souls to Christ and witnessed to others daily. Jim was a happy, joyful person who loved the Lord, his love overflowed to everyone he met. Jim departed this life on June 20, 2021 in Salem, Missouri at the age of eighty-four years. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his two sons: Bobby Simpson and wife Rachel of Salem, MO and Joe Simpson of Salem, MO; one sister: Electa Smallwood; three grandchildren: Andrew Simpson and wife Mackenzie of Rolla, MO, Matthew Simpson of Rolla, MO, and Ethan Simpson of Salem, MO, and one on the way; five step-grandchildren: Gabby, Lucy, Xavier, Anthony, and Xander; one great-grandson: Kolton; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death, his loving wife: Anita Simpson; parents: Robert Simpson and Olsie Adams; and three sisters: Hattie Smith, Artie Case, and Janie Williams. Jim was deeply loved by his family and is leaving behind a lot of beautiful memories and a great legacy. Funeral Services for James “Jim” Joseph Simpson were held Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor David Denton officiating. Song selections played were “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace”. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

James "Jim" Joseph Simpson

February 1, 1937 - June 20, 2021