Jerry H. Simpson

Jerry H. Simpson, age 79 of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at Saint Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, MO. He was born on Monday, January 09, 1933, in Alton, IL, the son of Perry and Marie (nee Hoettger) Simpson. On Saturday, September 19, 1953, he married Barbara Ann Simpson (nee Olson) who survives . He was a member of First Baptist Church, Highland, IL. He was also a member of Federation of Fly Fishers (life member); National Rifle Association; National Wild Turkey Federation; VFW Post 5694, Highland, IL; Single Action Shooting Society; National Shooting Sports Foundation; Fishing Tackle Dealers Association and Fly Tackle Dealer Association. He was a former member of the Ozark Fly Fishers; Trout Unlimited; Highland Pistol and Rifle Club; Highland Chamber of Commerce; Quail Unlimited; Pheasants Forever; Boy Scout Leader and Toastmasters. Mr. Simpson was born at Alton,IL and grew up in Cottage Hills, IL. He served in the US Navy (1951-1955) with duty aboard the USS Baker. After his marriage, he and his wife lived north of Peoria, IL, in Bureau County and he dairy farmed. He sold insurance for some 12 years, mostly for Mutual of Omaha - operating out of Wood River, Glen Carbon and Highland. On 03/23/1973 he opened Jerry's Bait and Tackle Shop in Highland - today it continues to operated as Jerry's Tackle and Guns. He starting selling bait and tackle; today , also sells guns and ammo, hunting/fishing licenses of IL and MO, lures and fly-tying parts, as well as the bait. For a number of years, he operated a catalogue business with the shop - shipping to Japan, Africa, Germany , all over the world. Above all else, Jerry enjoyed visiting with his customers. For many years, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the family enjoyed camping. Jerry never took the direct route - always side roads and never returning by the same road. He enjoyed trap shooting, eating out, traveling the US, with even a train trip to Glacier National Park. Camping and fishing were his hobbies - they took him into opening his business. He attended his grandson, Kyle's music performances, marching band and many other band performances. Survivors include: Wife - Barbara A. Simpson nee Olson, Highland, IL Son - Michael J. (Christine) Simpson, Swansea, IL Daughter - Mary Ann Simpson, Highland, IL Grandchild - Kyle M. (Jennifer) Simpson, Highland, IL Two Great Grandchildren - Charles K. Simpson and Ryder M. Simpson Three Step Grandchildren - Sarah C. Heisel (Twin), Swansea, IL; Sr. Airman Amanda C. Heisel (Twin), Travis AFB, CA; and Tiffany N. (Jeremy) Ulmer, Greenville, IL Brother - Edmond Simpson, Gillespie, IL Sister - Bernedette Foss, McNeil, AZ Brother In-law - Dode Kennedy, Shipman, IL. He was preceded in death by: Father - Perry Simpson Mother - Marie Simpson nee Hoettger Sisters - Mary Francis Joyce; Rose Anderson; Mary Louise Simpson (infant); Theresa Kennedy; and Ernestine Hogle.

Jerry H. Simpson

January 9, 1933 - April 24, 2012