James E. Simpson

James Ellis Simpson was born September 28, 1944 in Shamrock, FL to H. O. and Rosa Mae Matthews Simpson. James went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at home in Pace, FL at the age of 72.

He was a resident of Santa Rosa County since 1972. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton, Florida. He was a former Florida State Trooper, body guard to two governors, Investigator for the Auditor General State of Florida and retired from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Pensacola.

He was preceded in death by his parents H. O. and Rosa Mae Matthews Simpson; father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph and Jewell Kimmons Jerkins; daughter Julia Ann Simpson; brothers H. O. and Leonard Simpson; sister Maryland Lipham; brother-in-law Jimmy Jerkins.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 49 years, Jo Ann Jerkins Simpson; son Jason Simpson of Pace, FL; brother-in-law Jack Jerkins (Linette) of Baker, FL; nephews Terry Straughn (Terri) of Gainesville, FL, Gary Straughn (Tonya) of Pace, FL and Joseph Jerkins of Laurel Hill, FL; nieces Renee Narloch (Rob) of Tallahassee, FL and Jessica Barrow (Jamie) of Brewton, AL; great niece Jassy Barrow of Brewton. Jassy was more a granddaughter than a niece. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces and friends.

The family will receive friends at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel on Friday, February,10, 2017 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Bayview Memorial Park at 3:30 p.m. with Father Hank Lech of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church officiating. After the graveside service family will receive friends at the home of Jo Ann Simpson.

Pallbearers are Paul Harrington, Joseph Jerkins, Jamie Barrow, Gary Straughn, Terry Straughn and Jason Simpson.

Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements. Guest book and condolences are available online at dignitymemorial.com.