J ames Atkins Simpson of Hope Mills passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the age of 82.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Simpson Family Cemetery located at 481 Cypress Creek Road, Richlands, NC.  Rev. Jay Barr will be officiating along with Rev. Brent Penny.  Special music will be provided by The Penny Family.

James was born in Onslow County on March 26, 1943, to the late Thomas Atkins Simpson and Ida Mae Brinson Simpson.

He was raised on a farm in Onslow County, where he was one of thirteen children. As a young man, James served two years in the Army National Guard, during which time he married and relocated to Fayetteville. There, he raised two daughters with his beautiful wife, Janice, and worked as an auto mechanic until he retired. James enjoyed being outside, working on projects, and telling stories of days gone by with his family and friends. He especially loved his grandchildren, Savannah and Matthew, and his devoted dogs, Chyna and Chloe, and always cared for them as only he could. James loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Janice Hoard Simpson; brothers Joseph Simpson, Harold Simpson, Johnny Simpson and Charlie Simpson; sisters Patricia Simpson Penny, Marjorie Simpson Bass, Rose Simpson Rivenbark and Ione Simpson Melton; brothers-in-law Charles Bass and David Melton.

He is survived by his daughters, Suzette Simpson of Hope Mills and Jamie Lynne Osborn & husband Mark of Huntersville; grandchildren Savannah Simpson and Matthew Osborn; best friend & brother Mike Brown of Hope Mills; siblings Bobby Simpson & wife Mildred of Beulaville, Leon Simpson & wife Barbara of Chinquapin, Brenda Simpson Taylor of Beulaville and Donnie Simpson & wife Shelby of Beulaville; sisters-in-law Sheila Simpson of Fayetteville, Elizabeth Simpson of Richlands and Gloria Simpson of Wallace; brother in-law Roland Penny of Beulaville; and many special nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Community Funeral Home, 840 W Main St, Beulaville, NC 28518, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at communityfuneralhomenc.com.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Simpson family.