Mr. James Stephen Simpson

On Saturday, November 5, 2022, at age 90, Mr. James Stephen Simpson, loving husband of 61 years to Nan W. Simpson, entered into rest at AccentCare Hospice in Cumming, GA. Mr. Simpson was born to John and Pearl Simpson in York County, South Carolina, where he lived until joining the United States Coast Guard at age 19. After serving for 3 years, Mr. Simpson moved to Columbia , S.C. and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Here he met the love of his life, Nan, and they were married on September 9, 1961. Mr. Simpson’s long career was spent working for Pan American World Airways Aerospace Division (later Johnson Controls) in support of the Mercury and Gemini space programs in the 1960s at Cape Canaveral. Following these space flight programs, Mr. Simpson went on to support the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program and a number of satellite launches for government surveillance and communications. A hard and industrious worker, Mr. Simpson then served in several program management positions in support of the US Army, Navy and Air Force operations throughout the world before retiring as Division Vice President of Johnson Controls in 1992. Throughout Mr. Simpson’s career, he traveled to fascinating locations from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria to Tehran, Iran to the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean to Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago. These international locations were unlike the Neely’s Creek Community where he grew up in South Carolina, learning the importance of honesty, integrity, and the love of Christ and family. However, they certainly expanded his appetite of unusual cuisine. Upon retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson lived in Flat Rock, NC, where they were faithful members and served at Pinecrest ARP Church. In 2017, the Simpsons moved to Alpharetta and worshipped at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. Mr. Simpson enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family. He will be fondly remembered as one who was kind and helpful to those in real need. His Christ-like example touched many, both near and far. In addition to his wife, Mr. Simpson is survived by his children Jim Simpson (Beth) and Beth Wardach (Tom), grandchildren Stephanie Weber (Matt), Catherine Wardach, Carrie Loper (Andy), Samantha Wardach, John Simpson, and Joseph Simpson, and great-grandson Tate Loper. Mr. Simpson is predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Simpson, his brothers, Tommy Simpson and Edd Simpson, and his sister-in-law Bobbie Simpson. Visitation with the family will be at Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075 on Tuesday, November 8th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A private graveside service for family will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Wednesday, November 9th. In lieu of giving flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the AccentCare Hospice Foundation at https://seasonsfoundation.org/donate/ or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/ .

Mr. James Stephen Simpson

September 5, 1932 - November 5, 2022