James Wesley Simpson, 91, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, April 30, 2022, surrounded by family. Jim was born on March 31,1931 in Bozeman, Montana, the third son to Wesley Arthur and Lenore Marie Simpson.
Jim spent his childhood in Bozeman. He enjoyed his younger days fishing with his father and riding horses with his brothers. It is written in his high school autobiography titled ‘My Life’ that Jim enjoyed his school days from elementary through high school, graduating from Gallatin High in 1949.
He was proud to join the Air Force in 1951. During his service to his country, he was stationed at numerous bases, including time deployed overseas in Korea and Japan during the Korean Conflict. His final stationing was at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. He was discharged in 1955 after four years of service. While in Oklahoma he met his future wife, Glenna McDowell. They were married on May 2, 1955, in Enid, Oklahoma and with no time to waste, within hours they were on their way to Montana to begin their lifelong adventure together.
Jim and his new bride Glenna settled in Helena, Montana, where Jim would begin his career with the Montana Department of Highways. In 1960, Jim and Glenna moved to the community of East Helena upon the completion of their newly built home, where they would raise their four children. Jim immediately became involved in civic activities, including Kiwanis Club and coaching little league baseball. He was most proud of his tenure on the school board of the East Helena School District (1968-1980). He was honored to be the chairman for many of those years.
In 1965, Jim’s love for football, introduced him to the world of the football officiating to ‘keep him in the game’. He started in 1965, officiating high school, and eventually the college ranks, both for the Frontier Conference, and Big Sky Conference. As he retired from each of these levels, he was honored by being inducted into the following Hall of Fames; Montana Officials Association, The Frontier Conference, and the Big Sky Conference. Jim never really quit officiating, whether it was from his living room easy chair or going to Carrol College football games, where he was the spotter for the Frontier Conference Head of Officials. During many winter weekends, Jim could be found at Belmont Ski Area running the place with his group of buddies, selling tickets, operating lifts, and at times operating the concessions in the Lodge.
In 1983, a year after his retirement from the highway department, Jim started working at his friend Jim George’s food distributing business Georges Foods. He was initially tasked keeping track of inventory, he then moved up to driving a delivery truck, eventually given the responsibility of sorting the tomato crates into marketable tomatoes. He then became known throughout the offices and warehouse as ‘The Tomato King’.
Jim having married an Oklahoma girl, many of the travels and vacations in the early years were trips in the family cruiser to Enid, Oklahoma. Later on, Jim and Glenna went on many Elder-hostel vacations, as well as numerous cruises.
Jim and Glenna first went to Arizona escaping the Montana winters in 2002, initially renting a place, then buying a residence in Mesa where they spent the winters up through 2017. Both Mom and Dad enjoyed the many extracurricular activities that the park offered.
Jim is survived by his wife Glenna Simpson; his four children Mike Simpson (Becky), Sharon Evans, Tom Simpson, Susie Nicholson (Dave); He will be greatly missed by grandchildren; Dusty, Kyle, and Dylan Simpson, Scott Evans, Lyndsey Jourdonnais, Lauren Perry, and Katie Nicholson; along with several great grandchildren; Sisters-in-law Randi Simpson and Judy Simpson, brother-in-law Eddie (Sue) McDowell, sister-in-law Veta (Mike) Muns.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Robert ‘Bob’ Simpson, Kenneth ‘Bud’ Simpson, Stacey Crosby and his wife Phyllis and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to made to St Jude’s Children Hospital, The Shriners Hospital, or any charity of your choice in his honor.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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John Cherie Dahl says
Jim was a good friend from our Highway Department days and also playing poker together for many years. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏
Bruce Mihelish says
Referee Simpsie… You will be sorely missed by those of us who appreciated your good humor and could listen to your story telling for hours on end. You were truly one of a kind. Thanks for the memories.
Wendell (Randy) Wilke says
A true leader in Montana’s football officiating profession is gone, but never forgotten. Jimmy was the real deal. His shy, retiring nature was something to behold. Of course, anyone who knew Jim would never use those adjectives to describe him. Jim (i.e. Mr. Outgoing) Simpson was everyone’s friend…..when you were with him it was a good feeling….you were always important to him. You had a real good run, Jim. All my best to all of his family!
Gary Mihelish says
Jim was one of the most memorable individuals I have known. I was able to travel and officiate college and high school football games. I could share numerous stories about his coolness under fire his respect for the players and coaches, but most of all his humor. It was a great ride
The Tooth Fairy
Gary Mihelish
Glen J Cuchine says
East Helena was/is a better place because of Jim….his smile, sense of humor and willingness to ‘jump in’ and help will be remembered. Glenna and family, thank you for sharing your husband, dad, granddad with us all. I’m sure Jim is organizing something already on the other side. Peace be with you all.
Ann G. Dye says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Glenna, and your entire family. What wonderful times we all had in the good old days!
Bill Dolan says
From the Dolan families, we send our sincerest sympathy in the passing of Mr. Simpson. He was truly an East Helena icon. I always felt better after visiting with him. Some of my fondest memories of growing up in EH were spent in the Simpson’s backyard. We all learned how to play football in that 30 yard piece of heaven. It pains me when our heroes pass on, but I am equally as proud to have known such a great man as Mr. Simpson. My brothers and I are thinking of you. Bill
Steve Repac says
My condolences to the Simpson family. I felt like I got just a small flavor of Mr. Simpson from his son Tom, and if he was a person like Tom, he must of been a good man. So glad to hear he passed relatively quickly and didn’t suffer like some do.
Diane Trankel says
Thinking of your family. So sad to lose someone. I loved your Dad. I always thought he was so handsome. 🙂 Love your Mom too. Your family has a special place in my heart. My condolences.