James Marlon "Jim" Simpson Sr.

JAMES MARLON "JIM" SIMPSON SR., 87, of Little Rock went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015. He was born April 5, 1927 in Des Arc, White County, Ark. to the late Jonnie Ivy Williams and Gale Ephern Simpson. In his early years, he worked for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft in California and then for Jacuzzi Brothers in Little Rock as a cost analyst for over 25 years before retiring. He was an avid quail hunter and fisherman. He was devoted to helping others, whether friends, family or strangers. While slow to ask for help, he was the first to offer it. His proudest legacy was his family. He devoted his life to spending quality time with not only his children, but his grandchildren as well. He nurtured relationships with each and every one of them, whether outside working on a car, in the garden, fishing, watching or talking about sports, telling stories of his youthful antics or playing in his gigantic yard. His favorite past-time in his latter years was watching the St. Louis Cardinals, the Arkansas Razorbacks or the Dallas Cowboys. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Roger and Walter E. "Sonny" Simpson. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Wanda Louise Simpson; son, James M. "Jim" Simpson Jr. and wife, Karen of Little Rock; daughter, Pamela and husband, Dr. Craig Vire of Burleson, Texas; daughter, Brenda and husband, Preston Wright of Little Rock; grandchildren, Caitlin and husband, Dr. Andrew West of Rogers, Allison and husband, Galan Hughes of Waco, Texas, Jillian and husband, Austin King of Arkadelphia, Bryden, Lawson and Gannon Wright of Little Rock; one great-grandson, Harrison Hughes; sister, Eloise Quattlebaum and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as many family members and friends. The Simpson family deeply appreciates the loving care Jim ("Marlon") received from the staff at Good Shepherd Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Aldersgate Road in Little Rock. When the time came that he could no longer live at home, he was happy to call Good Shepherd home. The visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Griffin-Leggett (Rest Hills) on Landers Road in North Little Rock, Ark. (in the State Room) beginning at 2:30 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 4 in the Chapel. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Broadway Bridge Project: Feeding the Homeless, 5700 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72207 or the charity of your choice. Online guestbook: www.griffinleggettresthills.com.