James G Simpson

James “Jim” Gerard Simpson of Nashville died on September 28, 2026 after a battle with cancer. Jim was born on June 22, 1960 to Sue Ann Mannion Simpson and Phillip Grover Simpson. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Mark Simpson. Jim is survived by his incredible wife of 38 years, Ellen Simpson, his three children: Anthony Blanton (Sarah), James Ryan, and Christian Mannion; his grandson Paul James; his sister-in-law Alison Smith; as well as his siblings Sue Ann Enneis (Bill), Michael Simpson (Andrea), Margaret Dunning (Brian), Patrick Simpson (Stephanie), Frank Simpson (Margaret), Kathleen Pearson (Eddie), and Paul Simpson (Sallie), and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Jim was a graduate of Father Ryan High School and Middle Tennessee State University. He was a member of St. Henry Church, dedicated to his Catholic Faith, and was a firm believer in the power of the Rosary. He served as an analyst for Ford for the entirety of his career. More importantly, Jim loved. He loved his wife, always putting her first, always complimenting her about her beauty, and holding her until the day he passed. He loved his children, sacrificing his own career growth to be there for them after school, attending EVERY sporting event, and being so incredibly proud of their accomplishments. He loved the sport of wrestling, in which he was arguably the best referee the state of Tennessee has ever seen, as well as one of the most influential coaches for wrestlers as they began their wrestling careers at Nashville Catholic Wrestling. Jim had such an impact on the sport of wrestling that he was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame, for which he was so proud. He loved showing up for his family and friends. He never missed a birthday, a holiday gathering, a sporting event, Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, or wedding. Jim’s infectious love will never be dulled and is felt by all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Jim had a special knack for making everyone feel like family. When people met Jim, they did not know they were about to meet someone who was about to truly care about them, pray for them, and consistently ask how he could help them. He would laugh with you, cry with you, joke with you, and he was always the LOUDEST cheerleader you would ever have in your corner. May all those who loved him be comforted in knowing he loved them just as deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

The Kevin Paul Davis Scholarship Fund at Father Ryan High School

700 Norwood Drive, Nashville, TN 37204

The Saint Matthew School Annual Fund

533 Sneed Road W, Franklin, TN 37069

Visitation will be held at St. Henry Catholic Church, 6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205, US, on October 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:45 pm, followed by the Rosary at St. Henry Catholic Church, 6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205, US, on October 6, 2026, from 6:45 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Henry Catholic Church, 6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205, US, on October 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Cemetery Commital at Calvary Cemetery, 1001 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, US, on October 7, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.