Col James L Simpson

Col. James L. Simpson was born in Rosenberg, Texas on August 15, 1929. He was the only son born to Lollie Lee Jones (deceased) and Sam Simpson (deceased). He was raised by his maternal grandmother Clara Jones (deceased), aunt Allen Jackson (deceased) and uncle George Jackson (deceased). He also had a half-sister Georgia Simpson Paris (deceased). James enjoyed his childhood years growing up with his best friend, Joe Washington, Sr., who became his brother. Joe gave James the nickname “Killer” after the fierceness he showed on the basketball court. After finishing high school in 1946 at age 16, the two joined the Army. Together, they were stationed in Hawaii for 2 years, and while they did not serve in WWII, they are both considered WWII veterans. Thereafter, the two made plans to go to college. For the next four years, they made their home at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. James graduated from Prairie View with a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science. After completing his undergraduate degree, James traveled to Washington, D.C. to explore the possibility of attending Law School at Howard University. Soon after his arrival, he got a job at the Boys Village Detention Center in Cheltenham, MD. Through a friend, he met Nonie Marie Harris (deceased) of Eden, North Carolina. Soon realizing her to be the love of his life, he deferred his law school dream and the two married in 1958. Nonie adored James and she affectionately called him “Big Jim.” He was her knight in shining armor- he protected her, supported her, gave her all the things she wanted, and was an excellent provider for their family. In return, she doted on him, maintained the home, and loved cooking all of his meals. Together they had two daughters Kim and Karen who were the apple of his eye. James and Nonie shared a loving marriage for 58 years before Nonie passed away in 2015. James never severed his relationship with the Army. He joined the Army Reserves as an Officer and was a member of the 82nd Airborne where he served as a paratrooper. He would often recall stories of jumping out of airplanes. Initially, he had 2-week assignments once a year, but over time received promotions and more long-term appointments training other officers. Some of his tours included travels to Ft. Benning, GA, the Army War College in Camp Drum, NY (6 months), Ft. Eustis in Hampton, VA (3 years), Ft. McPherson in Atlanta, GA and finally 5 years at the Pentagon where he received the most prestigious rank of full Colonel. During his tenure with the Army Reserve, he also earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. James simultaneously maintained a career with the US Postal Service where he retired after 30+ years with his later years spent in the Philatelic Sales Unit. In retirement, James worked as the supervisor of mail operations at Prince George’s Community College where here retired in 2009 after 17 years. In his personal life, James was generous, kind and often welcomed family and friends into their home. He loved to laugh, engage in good conversation, and eat good food. He was known for reading the newspaper EVERY morning and sitting in his favorite chair. He enjoyed family trips and always maintained his relationship with best friend/brother Joe. He often traveled to Texas to spend time with Joe as he was a high school football coach in Bay City, Texas. It was an exciting time for James when Little Joe Washington came to play for the Redskins. He enjoyed going to games and spending time with Joe Sr. when he would come to visit. James was a die-hard Redskins fan. James is survived by his daughters Kim Ferguson (Linwood) and Karen Thomas (Daniel), granddaughters Kelly and Korie Ferguson, best friend/brother Joe Washington, Sr (Elizabeth), nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends and loved ones. They will all carry on the memories of his wonderful life and legacy forever!

Tributes

Col James L Simpson

August 15, 1929 - May 19, 2020