James McLin Simpson

Following high school graduation, Jim worked multiple jobs, soda jerk, theater usher and bank teller. He shared many funny stories of those days. In the year 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He found himself stationed in Utah and then Greenland. It was while stationed in Utah that he met the love of his life, Joann, at the First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City. Together they celebrated 73 years of marriage this past July.

Jim and Joann settled in Salt Lake City after he resigned from the Air Force. He worked as a Carpenter for Joann’s father at the same time attending the University of Utah. With a teaching credential in science he felt California offered greater opportunities. So, the Simpson’s moved to California. Jim taught high school in Long Beach, Huntington Beach and finally in Fountain Valley. Jim loved teaching. He served as Department Head for many happy years.

Jim had a strong faith in God, and he was a loving servant in his church. Intrigued by the beginnings of his church he embarked on a research project the took several years to complete. Published in book form it’s a story of a small Baptist church in downtown Huntington Beach and its growth into what is now Beachpoint Church in Fountain Valley. The completion and recognition of that amazing project was his proudest accomplishment.

In addition to his parents Jim was predeceased by his two brothers John and Richard as well as by his dear wife JoAnn. Surviving immediate family members are his four children, Jennifer, James, Jane and Joel. Eight grandchildren, Joshua, Seth, Hayley, Walker, Jack, Alaina, Evan and Lily. One great grandchild, Oliver.