James Lee Simpson Obituary
James Lee Simpson entered his Heavenly home on April 25, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was in the Smalling Cottage of The Greenhouse Cottages at Belle Meade. The staff and other residents became extended family not only to Jamie but to his entire family.
Jamie" was the third son of eight children born to Harry Woodard Simpson and Mary Jane (White) Simpson. He was greeted at the Pearly Gates by his parents and brothers: Charles "Pete" Samuel, Travis Dwight, Johnnie Mack, Terry Glenn, and Michael Wayne (who passed away in infancy).
Jamie had a full life, and boy was he a character. He was lovingly referred to by many in his family as "Tuffy" and their "favorite Leprechaun". Both nicknames came with specific reasons: "Tuffy" because he was fiercely protective of those he loved. A motto for his life could be summed up in one quote by Theodore Roosevelt, "Walk softly and carry a big stick". "Leprechaun" because his eyes always danced when he used his pot of gold to help anyone who crossed his path. But what he lacked in height, he made up for in heart.
His daughter, Deanna, granddaughter Whitney, and two great grandchildren, Atticus and Coraline, were the loves of his life. While he was still able to travel on his own, he spent as many Sundays as possible with them in Tennessee. Gathered around Dee's breakfast table, stories of the week were told and memories made. His sister, Linda, and brother, Harry, were his best friends. They were each other's defenders and protectors growing up and not much changed in adulthood. He and his niece LaVonda, whom he called "BooBoo", were very close. Some days she was the only person he would listen to; other days they would be arguing about politics. Will and Rossy Joe, his two great-great nephews had a particularly strong bond with their "Jamie". The three spent many mornings eating breakfast and drinking coffee in the booths of Waffle House. When Uncle Jamie came to live in Arkansas with Linda, he was sure to keep the kitchen stocked with all of his nieces and nephews' favorite snacks, specifically popsicles.
Uncle Jamie was his standard gift he brought every year for the family game of Dirty Santa: as many 6-packs of glass bottles of Coca-cola as he could fit into a giant Santa sack. This was always the gift that was the most coveted and stolen the most during the game. Another sweet memory was his total lack of moderation and utter indulgence when feeding his loved ones. One of Whitney's favorite memories was him making her 6 pieces of cinnamon toast when she only ask for one; And the bags and bags of lime popsicles he saved for LaVonda.
He has many nieces and nephews that will be sharing many more memories when his family and friends gather June 17 at 3:00 pm for a memorial graveside service at New Friendship cemetery in Paragould, Arkansas. The celebration of this lively, joyful, and mischievous man's life will highlight. His love for others. He will forever be remembered with cherished memories and thoughts of all that knew him.
