James Edward Simples, Sr.

James Edward Simples, Sr. was born on July 11, 1928 in Houston, TX to Rev. Dr. William M. Simples, Sr. and Marguerite Gee Simples. James grew up in a very large family: William Simples, Jr., Cleopatra Ruth Simples, Rosemary Stewart, Arnell Simples, Betty Jean Pillar, Carolyn Simples, Melba Simples, and Sadie Webb. He completed his education at Jack Yates High School in 1945, and he continued on with his studies at Texas Southern University, where he enlisted in the Army, serving from 1950-1952. He confessed Christ at an early age, uniting with St. Paul Baptist Church, where his father was founder and senior pastor. He later became a faithful member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

James married Faye A. Clark. To this union was three children, Roni, Patricia, and James, Jr.

He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for thirty-nine years. Post retirement, he became a committed coach and referee for youth basketball, golf, football and baseball. He earned many awards for his work. He was also a long time member of the Lone Star Golf Association. On most days, he could often be found joyfully playing eighteen holes with his golf buddies. He additionally loved restoring Volkswagens in his free time.

He departed this life on Thursday at 10:10 AM, July 20, 2017, in the quietness of the morning, in Huntersville, North Carolina, where he resided for the last four years.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Faye A. Clark; his daughters, Dr. Roni Glover (husband Dr. Hubert D. Glover), Dr. Patricia Simples, and son, Dr. James E. Simples, Jr. (wife Kelli E. Simples); four grandchildren, Jason Glover, Chanel Glover, Audrey Simples, and James E. Simples, III; his sisters Carolyn Simples, Betty Jean Pillar, Rosemary Stewart, and brother William Simples, Jr. He also leaves, a devoted friend, John Spivey, and a host of niece and nephews, and friends.

The funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm, on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC. Interment will be on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.