James Edward Simpson

James “Jim” Edward Simpson, 67, peacefully left this world to be with his Eternal Father on October 13, 2017 with his loving family at his bedside. Born July 20, 1950 in Dallas, he was the only child of Arthur W. and Martha M. (Lackey) Simpson. He was named after his maternal grandfather. He married his dearest friend and longtime soulmate Barbara Hodges on March 20, 2000.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife; two children, Kendal Anne (Dan) Glomski of Hot Springs Village, AR and John M. (Valentina) Hodges IV of Frisco, TX; seven grandchildren: Blake and Bryce Montgomery; Ryan, Riley, and his namesake Tyler James Hodges; and Derek and Danielle Glomski; and also by his dearly beloved cousins. He is also survived by his “GodDaughter” living donor Raquel Cruz.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and by his dear cousin Gracie Sherman of Burleson, Tx.

Known as “Eddie” in his youth, his fondest memories (being an only child) were holidays and hot Texas summer days spent with his many cousins playing baseball, collecting coins, and watching his childhood hero Mickey Mantle. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was actively involved in his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1973. Later in life, Jim was inducted as an honorary member of the Lambda Phi Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, nicknamed “The Godfather”.

Jim then pursued a very successful sales career spanning 40+ years in the food services industry. During the 1980’s he won numerous corporate awards recognizing outstanding performance as district manager for various employers. At both ConAgra and at Heinz, his salesmanship was considered legendary. His superior accomplishments were fully recognized in 2006 when he was named National Salesperson of the Year.

In addition to his food services career, Jim was also a successful independant insurance agent serving many clients in the Dallas metro area for over 33 years. Operating as Dallas Insurance Services, he continued to help people locate and secure the health care and the medical supplemental insurance they needed right until his final days, last working as recently as 3 weeks ago.

Jim was, of course, a lifelong Dallas Cowboy fan and became a season ticket holder as soon as he could. He truly enjoyed not only attending games himself but also taking friends and family to share in the experience of cheering for America’s Team.

Jim lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family throughout the world. Wherever he went, he would prepare a full itinerary of things to experience and sites to see - he was the consummate tour guide. He enjoyed fine dining, avidly watched movies both old and new, kept a watchful eye on the stock market, and even found time for a decent round of golf whenever possible. He greatly enjoyed the company of his wife and watching his family grow. He firmly believed “the success of a man is best measured by the success of his children”.

Jim was a good man, an excellent father figure, and a loving devoted husband. He did not just wear his faith on his sleeve but he lived it day by day in both word and deed. He will be remembered fondly by all who met and knew him. “Pop” will also be missed by each of Bauchie’s Angels.

Above all else, James Edward Simpson will be remembered as an inspiration to all who knew him because of his work ethic, his devotion to family, his love of God, and the sincerity with which he pursued life.

Visitation will be Friday Oct 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, Dallas. Interment Services will be noon Saturday Oct 21 at the same location. Dr. Craig Vire of Burleson Tx is to be the officiant.

Pallbearers are: John Hodges, Dan Glomski, Blake Montgomery, Bryce Montgomery, Ryan Hodges, Derek Glomski, and Dr. Jeffrey Stearnes. Honorary Pallbearers are: Greg Akromis, George Freeman, Dr. David Nesser, and Dr. Hans Hammers.

Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to the PKD Foundation (Polycystic Kidney Disease) at https://pkdcure.org ; to UT Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at www.utsouthwestern.edu/simmons/ ; or to the Make A Wish Foundation (North Texas) at http://ntx.wish.org/ .

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