James E Simpson Jr facts for kids

James Simpson Jr. (1928–1999) made history in Covington, Kentucky! He was the very first African American person to win an election for the city commission there. In 1971, he ran for the City Commission and won one of the four available seats. This was a huge step forward for the city.

Simpson served a full two-year term as a commissioner. Later, in 1991, he also completed another term on the commission. Beyond his political role, James Simpson Jr. was very active in his community. He served on many important boards, like the Kenton County Airport Board, where he was even elected Chairman in 1978. He also helped start the Northern Kentucky Community Center in Covington. His son, Arnold Ray Simpson, followed in his footsteps and became the first African American to serve as a State Representative for Kentucky's 65th district.

Early Life and Career

James Simpson was born on July 24, 1928, in Somerset, Kentucky. After finishing public school, he joined the United States Army in 1947. He used money from the GI Bill to go to college. He studied at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and graduated in 1951.

In 1952, he started working at the C.E. Jones Funeral Home in Covington. This funeral home served the African American community. In 1961, James Simpson took over the business and changed its name to Jones & Simpson Funeral Home. Later, the city needed the land for parking, so the funeral home moved to a new location.

Simpson had three sons, James III, Ronald Lee, and Rep. Arnold Ray Simpson, and one daughter, Adrienne. His wife, Zona Simpson, passed away in 2003. People remembered James Simpson for his happy laugh and great sense of humor. He loved working with wood and learned how to make cabinets at the Lincoln Grant School. This was a school just for Black students during a time when schools were separated. He often talked to people about business, politics, and how to succeed while keeping their self-respect.

His Legacy

James Simpson Jr. passed away on February 18, 1999. He was remembered as a leader and a kind person. His funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Covington, Kentucky, and he was buried in Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

Key Accomplishments

James Simpson Jr. received many awards and honors for his hard work. In 1993, he was one of eight people to get a Martin Luther King Achievement Award. He served for eight years on the board that runs the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, and he was the chairman in 1978. He also served on the board of St. Elizabeth Medical Center for 17 years.

Simpson played a very special role in Covington's African American community. He helped create the community center, which is now named after William Martin, another important community leader. He was also honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

Here are some of his notable achievements:

• 1970 – Served as a Deputy Sheriff for Kenton County.
• 1971 – Received the United Funeral Directors Of Greater Cincinnati 50 Year Service Award.
• 1973 – Appointed to the Board of Directors of the Kenton County Airport (CVG).
• 1978 – Elected Chairman of the Kenton County Airport Board of Directors (CVG).
• 1977 – Named to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Board of Directors.
• 1978 – Named to the Peoples Liberty Bank Board Of Directors.
• 1982 – Received the Northern Kentucky Community Center Service Award.
• 1990 – Elected to the Covington Black Hall Of Fame.
• 1991 – Received the Covington City Commission Outstanding Service Award.
• 2000 – Nominated to the Kentucky Human Rights Commission Hall Of Fame.
• 2008 – A street was named after him in Covington.

He also served on many other boards and commissions, showing his dedication to his community. These included the Board Of Trustees at the First Baptist Church, the Covington Civil Service Commission, and the NKY Health/Welfare Planning Board.

Honored by a Street Name

In 2008, the City of Covington decided to honor James Simpson Jr. by naming a street after him. The street leading to the main entrance of the new St. Elizabeth Medical Center (Kentucky) in Covington, which opened in 2009, is now called "James Simpson Jr Way." This was a lasting tribute to his important contributions to the city.