James Richard Simpson

James Richard “J.R.” Simpson was born on May 18, 1940, to William Paul and Ruby Marie (Mann) Simpson. He was called home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 13, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of Ridge Road in Shepherdsville, KY, often referred to as a “Ridge Runner”. He graduated from Shepherdsville High School in 1959. While at SHS, he was an engaged member of FFA. He enjoyed farming his entire life. A retiree of Sud-Chemie Inc., formerly known as United Catalysts. J.R. was a person of prayer and had a great love for his Lord, his Father God. A lifelong member of Victory Baptist Church, Shepherdsville, KY, he served as a deacon, trustee, teacher, a faithful servant of the Lord.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kneisler Simpson; children, Ronald C. “R.C.” Hatfield (Donna), Darlene Hatfield Riggs, Chris Dwayne Simpson (Penny), Starla Simpson McGehee (Jerry); grandchildren, Tina Richardson Miller (David), Drema Richardson Dawson, Bryon Richardson (Debra), James Riggs, Brian Riggs, Heather Marie Losch Wells (Tim), Chad James Losch, Trista Kelly Losch Webb (Scott), Bradley Simpson(Sarah), Jaime Simpson (Daniel), Ryan Wiedemer; 28 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. J.R. was also greatly loved by his nephews and nieces. He is survived by his sisters, Ramona Smith-Troutman, Pauline Nelson; and his brother, Gale Simpson (Pat).

Preceding him in death are his father and mother, Paul and Ruby Simpson; his grandchildren, Aaron Richard Hatfield, Christy Marie Riggs Curtsinger, Benjamin Ray Richardson, and Melissa Marie “Missy” Hatfield Beatty; and his greatgrandchild, Gage Alexander Curtsinger.

J.R. cherished his time spent with family and friends. He loved working on his farm and taking care of his cows that followed him through the fields like children. Whether it be on the lake or just down on the banks of the river, J.R. was an avid fisherman, usually in the company of his son, Chris; nephew, Danny Nelson; and best fishing buddy, Lonnie Shell. J.R.’s garage was a congregating place of the Ridge Runners, his friends and family that live on “The Ridge”. J.R. and Mary enjoyed his early retirement years traveling the western United States and enjoyed taking multiple cruises where they made many great memories together with family members and friends. He was a beloved and devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Mary Simpson, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, and friend.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 18,2019, at Victory Baptist Church of Shepherdsville (4420 Ridge Road, Shepherdsville, KY) with Brother Stephen Crenshaw and Brother Mark Veatch officiating. Burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Mt. Washington, KY. Friends and family may pay their respects on Thursday from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and on Friday from 9 am until time of service at Victory Baptist Church of Shepherdsville (4420 Ridge Road, Shepherdsville, KY).

Hardy-Close Funeral Home will oversee the arrangements. Obituary on www.hardyclosefuneralhome.com