Obituary of James Joseph Simpson

James J. Simpson, long-time Santa Cruz County resident, passed away April 11, 2011. Jim, known as "Coach" to scores of people, died in Aptos at age 84. Born in Denver, CO, Jim and his family moved to Fresno in 1943. While in Fresno, Jim attended Fresno Technical High School. At Fresno Tech, Jim excelled at basketball, earning his varsity letter. After graduating in 1944, Jim enlisted in the Navy, serving as a radio operator on the submarine, USS Plaice. At the end of the war, Jim returned to California and attended Visalia Junior College, where he played center position on the basketball team which won the championship for the state in 1948. His basketball prowess led to a scholarship at USC, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1950. After receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree, Jim returned to the central valley, teaching there for two years. The prospects of great golfing on the coast lured Jim to Santa Cruz County in 1953, and he took a teaching job at the Live Oak School District. Jim then accepted a position at Santa Cruz High School, teaching history and social studies; while there he coached junior varsity basketball and football. When Cabrillo College was established in 1961, Jim became the first basketball coach there. Jim moved from Santa Cruz High to Soquel High School when that school opened in 1962. He was varsity basketball coach there for many years. He retired from teaching in 1981, and pursued a career as a financial planner. Jim is survived by his sister, Barbara Weatherson (Bob), his wife of 55 years, Sharon, and his six children, Lisa Armstrong, Mark Simpson (Sue), K.C. Espinoza (Pete), Chris Martin (Jim), Tony Simpson (Brenda), Stephanie Willhoit (Alex), 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Friends are welcome to attend a celebration in Jim's memory at DeLaveaga Golf Course at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. A private ceremony will be held by the family in which and Honor Guard will celebrate Jim's life and service with the U.S. Navy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 1777 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 or to Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.