5/26: Rev. Jim Simpson Died
Seattle Presbytery
Presbyterian Family:
Below I am forwarding the message we just sent to our extended family and friends letting them know that our Dad, Jim Simpson, passed away yesterday, May 26, 2015. He lived a full and long life with deep roots in the Presbyterian church. He served as clergy in Port Townsend and Pasco prior to going to Philadelphia, PA to work with the national church in Christian Education. In 1969 Dad returned to Washington, and thrived in his Christian Education focus with the Synod of Alaska NW. Before retirement he taught at San Francisco Theological Seminary.
While many of Dad's contemporaries and colleagues are no longer with us, there are likely some who knew Dad and would appreciate knowing this. If you have avenues of communication, we would appreciate you letting people know.
With appreciation,
Martha Teigen (Jim's daughter)
Dear Family and Friends,
Yesterday our Dad, James (Jim) Simpson, the ever positive, creative, can-do, enthusiast of life left this world to join Mom after only two months since her passing. They were both 92 years old and had been married since 1946 – what an amazing story this is.
As most of you know, these past few years have been difficult for him, as his vibrant self became muddled into the confusion and limitations of dementia. He became complacent and easy going, recognizing us off and on, always with a willing smile or chuckle to a friendly face or laughter, yet, not himself. It was hard for those of us who knew and loved him not to grieve and miss who we knew him to be. His body outlived his vibrant one-of-a-kind mind and spirit. That said, his life was so much more … his forever love for his homeland of west central Minnesota, his commitment to family, faith and sense of purpose. His true gifts as a Christian Educator and as Grandpa Extraordinaire!
There will be much to reflect on in days ahead, but for now, we want to express deep appreciation for all of you who have enriched Mom, Dad and our families’ lives in immeasurable ways. Our parents felt immensely blessed and could not have been more appreciative of their extended family and their wonderful circle of friends. They loved their lives. What more could anyone ask?
We will be planning a memorial service for Dad for 10:30 AM on July 2nd at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Edmonds, WA. This was Mom and Dad’s church home for over 30 years. We know that this is possible for some living locally, while others will be present with us in spirit and that we will connect at different times and places on into the future.
According to the caregivers with Dad just before he died, his last word may have been, “God.”
We have been blessed and are giving thanks for his life,
Martha Teigen, Jim Simpson Jr., John Simpson and Peter Simpson