Arthur James Simon

Arthur Simon was a brilliant scholar (Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Alabama, enrolling at age 15, an MBA grad at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a grad student at Oxford). And he was a savvy businessman, building his Eagle Button Co. into a force in the clothing industry. But if you asked him what brought him the most joy, the answer was simple: First and foremost, his devoted family (wife Bobby and his children Casey and Meri). And second, the powerful Crimson Tide college football team he grew to love when attending Alabama.

Arthur J. Simon was born in Brooklyn on Feb. 12, 1927. After serving in the Army during World War II, he met Bobby Colby in 1951 and soon they were wed, the beginning of a 60-year marriage. He and Bobby traveled the world: China, Russia, Antarctica archeological digs in Africa, among the highlights. But autumn Saturdays mostly meant trips to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for football games. A die-hard fan and longtime season-ticket holder who once tried out for the team, and later even helped Bama coaches recruit players in the New Jersey area, he was also a medalist in table tennis at the Senior Olympics and Maccabee Games, and an accomplished longtime baseball and softball manager, often for Casey’s teams.

In later years he continued as president of Eagle Button and reveled in the accomplishments of Casey (high technology) and Meri (photojournalism) and their spouses. He also welcomed grandson and worthy table tennis opponent Ryan into the family.

Arthur died peacefully on Sept. 1 in New Jersey. He is survived by wife Bobby, his son Casey and his wife JoAnn and son Ryan, and daughter Meri and her husband, Mike. Funeral services will be held Friday at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the University of Alabama, c/o Amy Baker-Parton, director of development, College of Human Environmental Sciences, Box 870158, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Attention: Arthur and Barbara Simon scholarship fund.