Jeffrey Ernest Simpson Sr.

Jeffrey Ernest Simpson, Sr. was born on November 30, 1974 in Los Angeles, CA. Wanting to give him a better life than she could offer, his birth mother, Candace Pearson, from San Angelo, Texas, gave him up for adoption. His birth father, James Alderman, also from San Angelo, Texas, agreed that adoption was in the child's best interest. On January 16, 1975, Jeff was officially adopted by John Ernest (Ernie) Simpson, Jr. and his wife, Jill Simpson. They brought him home to Claremont, CA, where he was raised as an only child. Jill and Ernie doted on Jeff and provided him with many opportunities in life including traveling, sports, and dance and music lessons.

Jeff's passion in life was baseball. He was a four-year varsity player for Claremont High School. He also played American Legion ball across the Western United States and Canada. He played right field and pitched relief. He held a batting average title at his alma matter for many years. Many special occasions in Jeff's life were spent at the ball field including his wedding night, his first Father's Day, and many anniversaries. Jeff was scouted by the MLB while in high school, but he chose to go to college instead of getting drafted. His dreams of entering the big show were dashed when he was in a major car accident in the fall of 1993, shortly after graduating from high school.

Jeff had an infectious sense of humor. He was known for making jokes and doing impressions. He could imitate practically any accent. He enjoyed creating mischief like setting off fireworks and making dry ice bombs on the Fourth of July, his favorite holiday.

Jeff was an excellent drummer. He played in a few rockabilly and punk bands. His father-in-law, John Surby, noted that Jeff was the most talented member of the band.

Jeff married Shawnna Surby on June 25, 2005, in Pinon Hills, CA. The ceremony and reception were held at Shawnna's grandmother's (Dorothy Vig) house. Kyle Vyfvinkel, Shawnna's son from a previous relationship, was 6 years old a the time. On April 20, 2006, Jeff and Shawnna welcomed the first of three children they would have together, Jeffrey Ernest Simpson, Jr., affectionately known as Roo. Aidan John Simpson was born on July 19, 2007. Caitlin Kelly Simpson completed the family on January 29, 2009.

Jeff coached Little League and travel ball for all four kids. He made it a point to attend the kids' dance recitals, cheer competitions, plays, musical acts, football, baseball, and soccer games. He was always happiest watching the kids play and perform.

In 2017, as the result of an Ancestry DNA test, Jeff located his biological family. To his surprise and delight, he learned he had five sisters and a brother.

In 2022, Jeff became an EMT, and fulfilled a lifelong goal of working in the medical field where he could help people. He was a natural at controlling crowds and taking the initiative in crisis situations.

Jeff once told me that his idea of heaven was attending an unending baseball game while enjoying a cold beer and a hot dog. I hope he's enjoying that endless baseball game in the sky and maybe even getting to play a few innings with some of the greats.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Shawnna Simpson, his four children, Kyle, Jeffrey Jr., Aidan, and Caitlin, his mother Candace, his father Jace, mother-in-law Joan, five sisters, Tiffany, Simone, Jolene, Paige, and Penelope, and one brother, Justin, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents Ernie and Jill.