Norvell James Simpson

Norvell James Simpson, age 91, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022. Norvell was born March 25, 1931, in Rochester, New York, and was the younger child of Frank D. Simpson and Martha P. Simpson (née Jentons).

Norvell led a full and impactful life of service to the country and to the community. While in Colorado Springs, he retired as a SMSgt after 22 years in the US Air Force. Not long afterward, he was named Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Community Action Program. He served many years on the School District 11 School Board, completing his tenure as its first Black president. Later, Norvell worked as the Human Resources Officer for that district, and was an active participant in several civic endeavors focused on ethnic and economic equity. He was also a 33rd-Degree Mason, a proud Tuskegee Airman, and a devoted member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

He married his high school sweetheart and traveling pal Alice Saxton, who predeceased him, and raised a family of a son and two daughters. Norvell is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Cousins who were more like siblings to him and several nieces and nephews also survive him.

A funeral service for Norvell will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 at Mountain View Mortuary located at 2350 Montebello Square Drive. Space being limited, a link for live-streaming will be provided soon. Following that service will be a committal service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MtViewMortuary.com for the Simpson family. As a champion of education and a longstanding member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, contributions may be made to the Alpha Phi Alpha/Iota Omicron Lambda Education Fund, P.O. Box 15083, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. Thank you for your generosity.