James (Jim) Earl Simpson

James (Jim) Earl Simpson was born to Mack Reese and Eugie Webster Simpson on April 26, 1926 in O’Donnell, Texas. He was the oldest of eight children, passed away Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. Growing up in the Great Depression he developed lifelong perseverance and a work ethic that defined his entire future. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Navy on December 28th, 1943 and served his country in the Pacific theatre, during World War II, including the invasion of Okinawa and later in the Philippines; in the Medical Corps until June 19, 1946. After the war Jim attended West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas starting a career in oil field construction that eventually took him to South America, where he met and married Gladys Nidia Gerschenon in 1965. His work took him to Australia, North Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

In 1973 when he decided to stay close to home, he opened “Jim’s Tall and Big Men’s” clothing store. For the last 37 years Jim became involved in civic and community organizations including Odessa Downtown Lions Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Fellowship Masonic Lodge #1385 and the El Paso Scottish Rite.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Pat Simpson and Ethel Marie (Bea) Strong and three brothers in law, B. W. Hudgins, George Husted and Paul Rebber.

He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Gladys; daughter Linda Simpson-Jones of Bryan TX, son David A. Simpson of Odessa, and granddaughter Nikki Thurman and great grandchild Baylee Cordova of Albuquerque, New Mexico; four sisters, Maxine Hudgins of Fort Worth, Maurice Chamberlain, Mary Husted and Carolyn Rebber of Lamesa; one brother Ralph and wife Virginia of St. Cloud Minn., and brother-in-laws, Homer Chamberlain of Lamesa, Jimmy Simpson of Texarkana and Richard Strong of Amarillo as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.

He had fond memories of growing up in O’Donnell, TX. and enjoyed going back periodically to see the town and the friends that still lived there.

Jim was friendly to all, never met a stranger he did not see as a potential friend, always had a smile and helped others in need. He will be missed, not only by his family and friends, but also the business associates he worked with throughout the years.

Visitation will be held at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home at 4635 Oakwood Drive Odessa TX from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday, March 28, 2010.

Graveside services will be held at the O’Donnell cemetery, Monday, March 29th at 2:00pm.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.