James R. Simpson, 79 of Denver, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015, at Maple Farm in Akron.

He was born in Altoona to Elsie (Burley) and James R. Simpson, Sr. and was the husband to the late Beulah Simpson who passed away on April 28, 2010. They shared 53 years of marriage together.

He was a member of the Stevens United Zion Church, where he did a lot of volunteer work for church events. He enjoyed word searches, playing checkers, and loved spending time with his family, playing games, and their special trips to Camp Hebron in Halifax, PA. He was famous for his chicken salad, cabbage and potatoes, and apple sauce.

In the early years James worked as a farmer, raising chickens for Victor Weaver. He also worked at Boose Aluminum and then retired from Terre Hill Concrete.

James is survived by 2 sons, Nelson J., husband of Velma (Johnson) Simpson of Adamstown, and Terry L. Simpson of Ephrata; 5 grandchildren, Derek and Ashlee Simpson, Daniel and Joshua Melot, and Christina Connor; and 3 great-grandchildren, Reilly Simpson, Ceann Connor, and Ainsley Connor; and a sister, Elizabeth I. Reeser of Leola.

In addition to his parents and wife, James is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Lindsee Simpson; a brother, James R. Simpson; 4 sisters, Dolly J. Eller, Naomi I. Worbleski, Shirley J. Auker, and Eleanor R. Woods; and a daughter-in-law, Cynthia M. Simpson.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 17, from 6 to 8 pm, with an additional viewing on Saturday, from 9 to 10 am, at the Stevens United Zion Church, 49 S. Line Road, Stevens. Funeral services will follow at 10 am, with Pastor John Leisey officiating. Interment will take place in the Hahnstown United Zion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in James's memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.