James Marvin Simon

Jim was drafted shortly after his 18th birthday and served in the United States Army August 17, 1944 through July 5, 1946. He was stationed in Germany for most of his WWII service and had the opportunity to visit other European countries as well before he was discharged.

After the war, Jim returned to Rockwell and worked for his father at George Simon Trucking. He enrolled at the University of Iowa in 1947. While in college, Jim met his future wife, Jane, on a blind date. They married on June 17, 1951, shortly after his graduation. They had two daughters, Lori Jane and Jami Lea.

Jim and Jane moved to Ames, Iowa in 1957 when he accepted a job at the state headquarters of the Highway Commission (now DOT). He remained there until his retirement. They became active in the First United Methodist Church where he was member of the choir for many years. He also volunteered his time to Meals on Wheels.

The Simon family took family car trips every summer, visiting coast to coast and north to south, enjoying Disneyland, two world’s fairs, fishing in Minnesota, the Black Hills, and visiting many historic landmarks. After retirement, Jim and Jane continued to travel, going on cruises and trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Panama, Canada, and European destinations. They also took full advantage of a time-share, visiting both Branson, Missouri and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with regularity.

In 2015, Jim and Jane moved into Northridge Village in Ames. Being such long time Ames residents, they already knew a lot of their “new neighbors” from church, clubs and work.

Jim was a wonderful husband and father. He was quiet, honest, and dependable and well liked by his many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jane. He is survived by daughters Lori Richardson (Wilson, NC) and Jami Simon (New York, NY) and by grandchildren Ryan Richardson and wife Karen (Chapel Hill, NC) and Allison Richardson (Greenville, NC).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be given to the building fund of the First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave., Ames, Iowa 50010.