James H. “JIM” Simpson, Jr.
January 8, 1928 – November 3, 2019
James Hendley “Jim” Simpson, Jr. was born in Hallettsville, Texas on January 8, 1928 to James Hendley Simpson, Sr. and Alma (Carpenter) Simpson. After completing high school he attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 1949 with a B. S. degree in Business. Jim was a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band during his college years. After college he served in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. There he met the love of his life, Lois. They were married in Springfield, Missouri in 1954 and returned to Hallettsville that same year. Jim joined the First National Bank of Hallettsville, where he ultimately retired as Chairman of the Board in 1983. Jim and Lois moved to College Station in 1984 to become “fulltime Texas Aggies.” They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on November 6th.
Jim was active in a number of civic organizations throughout his life. His primary focus was as a member of Rotary International, where he served as President of the Hallettsville Club in 1960-1961 and as Governor of Rotary District 5870 in 1962-1963. He served for more than 60 years in Rotary, and traveled all over the world participating in Rotary projects, including leading a Group Study Exchange group to Australia in 1993 and traveling to Kenya to help deliver school supplies to local children in 2000. He was the epitome of the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.”
Jim is survived by his wife Lois; his children, Scott (and Stephanie George Simpson) of College Station, JD of Rockport, Texas; and Stephanie McDonald of Buena Vista, Colorado; and his grandchildren, Matthew McDonald of Nashville, Tennessee, and Jamie McDonald (and fiancé Troy Johnson) of Kirkland, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice Brazos Valley (hospicebrazosvalley.org), the Texas Aggie Band Association (tabaonline.com) or the Bryan Rotary Club (bryan-rotary.org).
Visitation will occur between 5 pm and 7pm Sunday, November 10, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center, in Bryan, Texas. Funeral service will begin at 11:30am Monday, November 11, also at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center. Interment will immediately follow at the College Station City Cemetery.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
Deepest condolences to the family of Jim Simpson. He was a model Rotarian and will be missed by the Bryan Rotary Club. A life well lived.
We missed seeing Jim at Rotary in recent years, but always knew he wanted to be there. He was a fine man and example, and has left a remarkable legacy in his family and in his good works that they carry on.
Sincere condolences from Teels to Simpsons.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lois, her family, and their Rotary Family during this difficult time. May memories of happier times bring you peace and comfort today and always. What a blessing that we became Rotary Family through your son, PDG J.D.
Rotary misses Jim and may soul Rest In Peace.
My sincere condolences to Lois, Stephanie, Scott and the entire Simpson family.
Jim was such a kind man and always friendly to everyone. He was a gift to the world and certainly a great example to all Rotarians on how to live a life that exemplifies “Service above Self.”
Words can not express how much I loved and adored my Papa Simpson. He brought so much joy to not only my life, but my daughter Katye. I was so lucky to have met him and Mama Simpson “Lois” about 19 years ago. No one could have told me how much our relationship would become one of the most important and cherished relationship in our life’s. His heart was so big and so giving that anyone who was ever lucky enough to meet and know him was extremely blessed! He will be so missed!!! We love you! Donna and Katye Westcott
With deepest sympathy. The Simpson family is in the thoughts and prayers of our Rotary family.
Dear Lois, Scott, JD, Stephanie, and Family,
Dad told us about Mr.Simpson’s passing, and the Robert Kubena Family sends their deepest sympathy. We had so hoped to make it there for the visitation yesterday, but Dad’s failing health prevented us from coming. He was just not strong enough to make the trip.
Mr. Simpson was such a kind man and he will certainly be missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Though we cannot be physically present, we will be there in spirit.
Love and Blessings,
The Robert Kubena Family
My condolences to you and your family, Mr. Simpson,Praying that God’s comfort will be with you and your family in this difficult moments.
My sincerest sympathy and best wishes go out to the family and friends of James H. Simpson, Jr. My father, Jack E. Watts, lived with his Uncle Hendley and Aunt Alma just before he left for World War II. He always spoke fondly of his time in Hallettsville with his dear Aunt and Uncle and especially his “Cousin Jimmy.”
Rest in Peace, Cousin.
Don Watts
Boise, Idaho