It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Brigadier General (Retired) James McGarry Simpson CD, QC at the Perley & Rideau Veterans' Health Centre on December 7th, 2020 in his 98th year. Beloved husband of 63 years to the late Shirley Simpson (nee Kingsmill), and loving father to Paula Simpson (Dale Carson) and Tim Simpson (Stephanie Shover). Proud grandfather to Jamie Janes (Matthew Janes), Corey Carson (Behnaz Nouralian), Amanda Carson (Christopher McFaul), and proud great-grandfather to Parker & Madison Janes. Lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews Penny and Stan Kennedy, Jamie and Gloria Duhame, Ken and Peggy Gibson and fondly remembered by many extended family members in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Western Canada, the United States and Scotland.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 1st, 1923 to the late Charles and Margaret (nee McGarry) Simpson, Jim enlisted to go to war where he eventually became a night-flyer mosquito navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Upon return to Canada, he attended the University of Manitoba while spending summers photo-mapping the Northwest Territories. He graduated from Manitoba with a law degree, Harvard Law School with a Masters in 1959, and then from the Royal Military College in London, England in 1964. Jim ascended the ranks to become a respected and accomplished lawyer and was appointed Judge Advocate General of Canada in 1972. He retired in 1976 after 36 years in the military to work as an international contract lawyer for the United Nations in both New York City and Vienna, and occasionally for the Law Reform Commission of Canada and private law firms.
To know Jim was to know truth, kindness, humility and generosity. A true gentleman with a sharp wit and a master of pun, his sense of humour always kept those around him laughing. He loved music from an early age, and was an avid golfer and runner. He began long distance running in his early fifties, and completed five full marathons with his first at the incredible age of 72. Jim was an esteemed member of the community and an inspiration to many with his never ending work ethic, supportive personality and long list of accomplishments. He lived a long, happy and always active life closely surrounded by family, friends, neighbours and pets.
Many special thanks to the staff at the Perley & Rideau Veterans' Health Centre for their care and support during the past few months. Due to Covid-19 restrictions a celebration service will be planned for later next year at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Margaret and Ron Beechey
Margaret and Ron Beechey
One fine gentleman and it was an honour to have known him. Our condolences to the family
Lee Gottdank
Many cherished memories of our dear friend and neighbour for decades. Jim, a true gentleman, who convinced me to run a marathon together with his jogging buddies. In our hearts ? forever. Thank you; to our friend, Jim. RIP
Rob Young
Jim was a terrific mentor, running buddy and friend with whom I worked at the Somalia Inquiry and ran two marathons (Ottawa + NYC). His kindness, friendship, generosity, wit and encouragement have had an important and positive lasting impact on my life. I feel privileged to have met him and had him in my life for so many years, and he continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance. My condolences to all the family, who meant so much to Jim and were a source of much pride to him. I think of him when I'm heading out for a run, and I know that up there, he is running still, and never missing chance to take note of the hills as he runs up them. RIP Jim.
Rest in peace Mr. Simpson. You will be missed.