James "Jim" C. Simpson

Jim was a veteran of the United States Army and worked in the car industry for more than six decades, including being a car dealer and racing cars. Jim was a lifetime member of the NRA and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). His real passion was for owning and racing Corvettes.

After an honorable discharge from the Army, Jim returned to work at the local Chevy dealer, Don Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, PA. He advanced though several positions and ultimately was involved with the first Yenko homologation project, the Corvair Stinger. Jim was the only known person that drove every single Stinger, as a flood in the lower lot required each one to be moved to higher ground. He was deeply involved in the local SCCA racing scene with Don, as well as the infamous “Pink Lady,” Donna Mae Mims. In the late 60s, he moved to Wheeling, West Virgina to work at then King Richard Chevrolet. After the birth of his first son, Brad, he moved his family to Kent, Ohio, where he became a manager at Lyman Chevrolet. He ultimately bought the dealership in 1976, creating Simpson Chevrolet. He created the Simpson Chevrolet Corvette Center, and remained active in the Steel Cities SCCA club racing, time trials, and hillclimbs. During this time, he also opened Simpson Honda, selling Honda motorcycles. He named his late wife, Mary Jo Simpson, President of the “Honda Store” (as he affectionately called it).

In 1982, Jim moved his family to Altamonte Springs, FL. He remained in the car industry while in Central Florida, until his retirement in 2016.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo and sisters, Joan Roach, Jane Sopo and Jill Cheney.

He is survived by his children, Brad (Wendy) Simpson, Todd Simpson, Jonathan (Teri) Simpson and Jennifer (Thomas) Simpson-Oliver along with three grandchildren, Arden and Reagan Oliver and Jameson Simpson.

Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home-West Altamonte Chapel, 90 Weathersfield Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714. www.baldwinfairchildwestaltamonte.com