Donald James Simon

Don moved with his parents and younger brother from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Colorado, where his family spent several years on a farm southeast of Loveland. It was there that his lifelong curiosity took root—he began inventing and fixing things at an early age, and by 15 had read an entire encyclopedia.

He excelled in math and English, with a particular gift for creative writing. He graduated early from Loveland High School in 1959 and even worked as a comedy writer for the Steve Allen Show.

Don began his career as an engineer, working with Boeing on flight-line test equipment, and later with General Dynamics and TRW in the spacecraft division, where he tested pre-launch satellite systems. He eventually became a wireless communications manufacturing representative, designing and selling cell towers and testing equipment. Alongside his wife, Mary Jane, he co-founded a communications parts business.

He also served for 15 years as a reserve deputy sheriff and academy instructor with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where he taught martial arts and high-speed driving.

Don’s interests were wide-ranging and pursued with enthusiasm. He built and flew radio-controlled gliders and helicopters (sometimes barely!). He was an avid fly fisherman and skilled oarsman, known for keeping his drift boat at the perfect 45-degree angle for casting. He founded the James-Scott Company, producing state-of-the-art neoprene waders and fly-fishing gear.

A competitive athlete, Don was a bike racer and multiple-time Senior Olympics winner, as well as a speed skater. He was a lifelong hunter and expert marksman. He navigated his lake in a racing shell and designed an intricate Hobie Cat for fishing.

Though not an attorney, he had a sharp understanding of legal matters and was a skilled negotiator. He spoke Spanish, loved Corona beer, and had a special way with cats—often tucking one into his hunting coat while sitting in a duck blind.

Don spent time exploring Alaska’s great rivers and was often seen traveling in his VW buses through Wyoming and Montana in search of fish. He was an adventurer at heart, fascinated by Antarctica, and an accomplished photographer. He was also a licensed pilot and sailor, played classical guitar, and took up golf later in life.

Above all, Don was a devoted husband of 49 years to Mary Jane Bryan, whom he always lovingly referred to as his “bride.” He was a steady, loyal friend who gave his full attention to those around him. He will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Bryan; his mother and father, Jane Ruth Hoffman, James F. Simon; and his brothers, William Simon and Robert Simon.