James Edward Simpkins

James E Simpkins, entered eternity Sunday September 13, 2026 twenty days shy of his 100 th birthday. He was born October 3, 1926 in Giles County, VA. He graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1947 and on to Virginia Tech as a civil engineering major. It was then that Beatrice King introduced him to her younger sister, Iris Woods, the love of his life and devoted wife of 75 years. Jim began his career with Hercules in accounting where he worked for 38 years. He and Iris welcomed 2 sons, S. Dale (Elyse) and J. Steven (Kari) while they lived in Christiansburg before moving to Delaware in 1961. During his career, Hercules transferred them to Salt Lake City, UT before returning them back to VA where he retired in 1988. In the next season of life Jim & Iris purchased a small farm and started raising beef cattle. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Jim served as the President of their Pole Hereford Society.

He and Iris also shared a passion for square dancing. His precision stepping led him to serve as the President of Triangle Squares square dance club. Along with their club they traveled throughout the continental United States, dancing in approximately 25 states, creating memories along the way. He surrenders his position as the oldest living member of St Paul’s Methodist in Christiansburg where he held numerous financial roles within the church over the years.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Iris; his son Dale (Elyse) of Chatham, PA, and 4 grandchildren: Wendy (Michael) Antenucci of Melbourne, FL, Donnie (Heather) of Birdsboro, PA, Tammy (Chuck) Powell of Oxford, PA, and Teddy (Abby) of Chatham, PA. 

He is also survived by his 13 great-grandchildren: Brittany Simpkins of Wilmington, DE, Leo Simpkins of Prescott, AZ, Tracy Antenucci of Satellite Beach, FL, Anthony (Kamia) Antenucci of Melboune, FL, Marciano, Vincenzo, and Rocco Antenucci still at home in Melbourne, FL.; Aaron Simpkins, Savannah and Weston Powell at home, Oxford, PA; and Hadassah and Judah Simpkins at home in Chatham, Pa. 

Jim is also survived by his brother-in-law Jim Woods of Salem, VA. He is survived by nephew Chuck King (Tootie) who has spent most nights with them during Jim’s declining health. He is further survived by many nephews and nieces: Brenda, Joe, Donald, Nona, Cindy, Amy, Richard, Roger, Ronnie, Hilda and Beverly.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, J. Steven Simpkins, and his grandson, Timothy E. Simpkins. 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the precious compassionate caregivers of Good Samaritian Hospice. Special thanks goes to Taylor, Denise, Lottie, Jim and Drenda for their exceptional kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Good Samaritan Hospice
1160 Moose Drive
Christiansburg, VA 24073