James D. Simpson, Jr.

Obituary Notice

James D. Simpson, Jr. of Little Rock was born on March 16, 1912 in Little Rock, and died on Friday, August 5, 2005. He was the only son of Ruth Bales Simpson and James D. Simpson, Sr. He attended public schools in Little Rock and graduated high school from Western Military Academy in Tennessee after having spent one year at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. Mr. Simpson attended Washington University in St. Louis, MO and graduated in 1933 with a BSBA degree; he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He continued his education at LRU and received a law and LLB degree in 1935.

Mr. Simpson served in the United States Navy during 1942-1944 and was stationed in Pittsburgh, PA. He returned to Little Rock to join his father and Vernon L. Jackson, Sr. at the company they founded, Tuf Nut Garment Manufacturing Company. There he served as Vice President and Treasurer until the Simpson and Jackson families sold Tuf Nut in 1966.

Mr. Simpson was a Board Member of Arkansas Easter Seals, the Country Club of Little Rock, and Capital Savings and Loan Company. He was also the Chairman of the Little Rock Airport Commission during the construction of the present terminal in 1970-1971.

He had many "favorite things" to do: duck hunting, fishing, attending auto races as well as University of Arkansas football games. He was one of the original members of Button Willow Hunting Club in Lonoke, AR and a senior member, as was his father, of Tuf Nut Hunting Club in Gillett, AR. His favorite of these hobbies was whichever was next. He certainly instilled that enthusiasm onto those that were around him - tomorrow was always going to be a great day.

Jimmy's memory will be cherished by all of those who loved him. His quick smile and wry sense of humor will be greatly missed. He was a man of the utmost integrity and discipline, characteristics that he attempted his entire life to bestow upon his sons. As a part of those disciplines, he believed that a man should be a gentleman at all times. It was by that mindset that he lived his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Ellen House Simpson. He is survived by two sons: James D. Simpson, III, and his wife, Ginna Simpson: and Joseph Warren Simpson; three granddaughters: Jody Simpson Thompson, Clarke Simpson Delp and Ellen Garrett Simpson; and three great-grandsons: Russ Thompson, Townes Delp and Warren Delp.

The family will be at home at #18 Armistead Road on Monday, August 8, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family requests that memorials be considered in lieu of flowers to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street, Little Rock, AR 72206. There will be a private graveside service. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com


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