James L. Simpson

Age 94, of North Strabane, second son of the late Samuel Patton Stouppe Simpson and Olive Irene Horne Simpson, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021. He was born May 24, 1927, in Pittsburgh. Jim retired in 1985 after 16 years as the first principal of the Peters Township Middle School. Prior to that, he was principal of the Elm Grove and Venetia elementary schools and taught at the Beechwood school in Beechview. A 1945 graduate of Crafton High School, Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Jim worked a number of jobs, including being a lab technician at Universal Cyclops Steel before returning to the University of Pittsburgh, where he completed undergraduate, graduate and post masters studies in education. Jim loved to golf and spent a few winters in North Fort Meyers, Fla., enjoying his favorite pastime. He enjoyed making new friends wherever he went. In retirement, he and his wife, Ardeth loved to travel, including driving all over the continental United States, navigating a boat from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to North Myrtle Beach, S.C., through the intracoastal waterway, and taking an extended vacation in Hawaii. Jim loved spending time at the family vacation home in Bobcaygeon, Canada. A current member of the Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church, he helped to prepare meals for Meals on Wheels and Food and Friends. He served Washington Presbytery as a member of the Ministry Committee, and pulpit supply as a substitute lay minister. As a long time member of Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church USA, he served as an elder several times, adult Sunday school teacher, and in many other volunteer capacities. He volunteered with other religious and civic organizations including scouting, the Gideons, and the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Board. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ardeth Degenhardt Simpson; sons James A. (Amy) Simpson and Donald W. (Barb Wiseley) Simpson; grandchildren Tyler, Timothy, Heather and Stephen, Barb Wiseley's children Andrew and Justin; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel Horne (Margaret) Simpson, John Rush (Betty) Simpson, Richard Frank Simpson. All services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church, 2230 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317. Arrangements by Beinhauers, McMurray, PA 15317. Add or view tributes at beinhauer.com.