Obituary of A.L. Jim Simpson

Arnold Leroy "Jim" Simpson, age 100, of Cowan Street, Westville, passed away on June 16, 2011 at the Northumberland Veteran’s Unit in Pictou, N.S. Born in Victory, Annapolis County, he was the son of the late John and Addie (Ruggles) Simpson. Jim worked more than 40 years for the Royal Bank with many postings in Atlantic Canada. He retired in the early seventies as manager of the Westville branch. He married Theresa "Helen" Strojsa in 1949 and celebrated over 50 years of marriage. Helen passed away in 2000. Jim was very active in the community, involved with many volunteer activities and social clubs, especially the Red Cross and the Oddfellows. He was a flight sergeant and tail-gunner on the Lancaster Bombers with RCAF during WWII. He helped give Canada, and the world, the Liberty we now and ever-will cherish. Jim lived with his heroes at the Vets’ Unit. He died among his brave and dauntless comrades, all of whom carry their cross of sacrifice. He was predeceased by eight sisters and one brother. He is survived by his sons, Tom, Halifax; Jack, Westville; Tim, Timberlea, and Doug, Westville; daughter, Dayile Egyedy (Dennis), Tantallon and grand-daughter Ashley. Jim made his stand against the world’s greatest threat. Beginning with his first bombing mission in the Allies’ effort to regain democracy, he never lost his feeling of pride and admiration for the thousands of airmen who never came home. They saw us through freedom’ s defining storm, those years when everything was a risk, when all seemed lost, yet light triumphed over darkness. They had no illusion of glory or heroism saving the civilized world from the greatest crisis in history. Oppression and hate is forever in the human condition, and the struggle for peace and freedom demands a brave offering, sometimes with your very being. The history of mankind is full of misery; with its wars, divisions, the flow of blood and the flight of refugees. We long for the day when all humans can roam the world as if it is rightfully ours. We hope for the day when humans realize that we are all gatherers and wanderers, ever bound to cross each other’s paths, and that these paths belong to us all. To confront war and all its depravity in one of man’s greatest tests. To control your fear, to look death in the face, to inspire others, and to know the world depends on you; is enough to humble your very soul. Jim is now Free at last, as we remain Free forever! Thanks! The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #35 Westville will conduct a service at 6:30 Saturday at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. There will be no visitations. His funeral service will be held at Eagles Funeral Chapel, Westville, Sunday at 2 o’ clock with Rev. Doug Pilsworth officiating. Burial will be at Heatherdale Memorial Gardens.