Sutton, VT – James Elroy Simpson, 60, died Friday, June 30, 2023, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH due to multiple health complications.

He was born September 2, 1962, in St. Johnsbury, VT to Bernard "Bernie" and Brenda (Bailey) Simpson. Jimmy (Jim, Dad, Paw, Uncle Jim, Big Jim) grew up in Sutton and attended Lyndon Institute, and was a member of the Class of 1980. He was married to Lori Jo (Ruggles) Simpson on May 3, 1981, in California and together they raised their two sons. The family lived/moved back and forth between Northern Vermont and Southern California for a time before settling permanently in the NEK of Vermont. Jimmy worked a variety of jobs over the years including working the family farm, concrete work in California, and driving truck. At the time of his death, he was employed with Granite State Truck Center/B&B Towing and Recovery, something new and different that he enjoyed. There wasn't a piece of equipment he couldn't figure out how to operate. The jobs he enjoyed the most were those that allowed him to be outside, meet new people, see new places, and make new friends.

Jimmy is predeceased by his father, Bernie, his mother, Brenda, and his stepfather, Steve. He leaves his wife of 42 years, Lori, of Sutton; son Chad, wife Jessica, their children Trent, Lucas, Anna, and Brooke of Lyndonville; son Andy, wife Jen, their children Taylor and Linkin of Sutton; brother, Jeff Simpson of Brownington, VT; his children, Josh, partner Katrina and family, Emmitt, wife Mariah, and family, Tabatha, and family; his sister, Jane Simpson, husband Jeff Strogney of Merrimac, MA. Jane's children Meagan and Spencer Howard and family, Katy and Micah Seneca and family, Zach Newland and his paternal aunt Nancy (Simpson) Vincent along with several foster daughters and tons of cousins. His in-laws, Peter and Gloria Ruggles, brother and sister-in-laws David Ruggles and family, Lisa and Rick Jackson and family, Lynn Ruggles, and Lana and Bill Luhmann and family.

Anyone who knew Jimmy knew that he loved his family! This love for family extended well beyond the walls of his home. He was heavily involved in the Simpson Reunion which not only brought the Simpsons together but many members of the NEK community together as well. During Fair season you could have seen Jimmy pulling his ponies when he had them or watching the Free-for-All classes. Jimmy's experience driving over the road was a resource to many. Let's just say that there was a "JimJim" before the TomTom came into existence.

At Jim and Lori's house, you are a guest only once. The second time you come to the house you didn't need to knock and you knew where to hang your hat. The conversations had at the 'kitchen table' will be remembered and the personalities that sat with Jimmy will never be forgotten.

Jimmy was an avid sports fan and especially loved football. He was a huge supporter of Lyndon Institute Vikings football, the LI Football Brotherhood, and anyone who beat St. Johnsbury Academy. He played on Robert K Lewis and later watched his sons, grandsons, and many family members play football there. You might have also seen him along the 3rd baseline at James Patrick Brown Memorial Field watching his nieces, granddaughter, and cousins play softball. His passion was to watch family play as a 'VIKING' in their respective sports. Jimmy was a God-fearing man who loved his Veterans and his country.

Per Jimmy's wishes, a Celebration of Life for fellowship and for sharing memories made with him will be held on Saturday, August 5th, at the Caledonia County Fairgrounds, McGill Pulling Ring, Lyndonville, Vt. from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a pig & corn roast, and potluck.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider honoring the life of James E. Simpson '80 and the Simpson Family Legacy with a generous gift that will directly support the Lyndon Institute football team & athletics department. Please designate your gift in the comments section at www.lyndoninstitute.org/support-li/give-online" or donations can be mailed with comments to Lyndon Institute, PO Box 127, Lyndon Center, Vt 05850 Attn: Melissa Hall.