Capt. James “Jimmy” Simpson – 12-Oct-1933 – 30-Nov-2022
Simpson, Joseph James “Jim”- Retired City of Toronto Fire Captain, Passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa. Son of the late Thomas and Mary Simpson.
Jim joined the Toronto Fire Department on the 9th of August 1957. He was promoted to Captain on the 7th of April 1978 and retired on the 29th of April 1991 after 34 years of service.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Donna (née Callan). Loving father of Neil (Tracey) and Michele (Bruno). Proud grandfather of Ryan, Tyler (Kaytlin), Taylor, and Jeffrey, great-grandfather of Hazel. Brother of Ena (the late John), Bill (Margaret), and the late Alan (the late Marty). Brother-in-law of Lee (Terry). Jim will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends across Canada and the United Kingdom.
Jim was born on October 12th, 1933, in Cookstown, Northern Ireland. He joined the Army on March 5th, 1951, as a Royal Army Reservist and served in Suez, Egypt. Jim obtained his Canadian Citizenship on September 2nd, 1975. Jim was also a proud member of the Toronto Fire Fighters’ War Veterans Association and will be missed. Jim was a warrior who ran a long hard race to the end. He ran many marathons including The Police and Fire Fighter Games and the Boston Marathon 4 times. In 2003 he finished 1st Place for Male aged 70+ in The Toronto Marathon. He won the Tiger-Of-The-Year Award in 2004 with the Whitby Tigers Running Club. He was a member of Toastmasters International and the Ostomy Oshawa Club. A special thank you to the G7 staff of Lakeridge Health for their compassion and care of Jim.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. If desired, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
Donations and condolences may be made through Mount Lawn Funeral Home.
Our Sincerest Condolences from all our Retiree Groups go out to the Family and Friends.
In Solidarity,
Retired Toronto Fire Fighters Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888