James Simonson

James Lynn Simonson

November 26, 1941 – January 3, 2022

James Lynn Simonson, age 80, passed away peacefully in his home on January 3, 2021. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on November 26, 1941, to Carroll and Myrtle (Haeussler) Simonson. Jim was blessed with two great loves in his life. On September 17, 1961, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Karen (Moffitt) Simonson, and was blessed with three beautiful children. Following Karen’s passing in 1987, Jim was fortunate to find love again, and on November 10, 1990, married his wife Glenda (Strain Banks) Simonson.

While he was never a man of many words, Jim loved his family fiercely and took every chance he could to brag about his beautiful children and grandchildren. He was proud to have three children and three stepchildren: Judith (Rick), Jon, Jean (Wayne), Laree (Randy), Scott (Audrey), and Michael (Betsy); seven grandchildren: Cody (Kaitlin), Caryn (Josh), Alex, Ryan, Molly (Kaesey), Matt (Jennifer), and Isaac; and four great grandchildren: Camden, Kendall, James and Robert. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife Karen, his son Jon, his parents Carroll and Myrtle, and his brother Charles.

Jim was happiest when he was outdoors. After spending 34 years proudly working for the U.S. Forest Service, Jim spent his retirement sailing around different lakes in Colorado on his boat, Euphoria, traveling around the country in his fifth wheel with his wife, geocaching with his grandchildren, or walking his dog around the neighborhood and saying hello to all his friends along the way.

In his later years, Jim dedicated much of his time to the Orchard Mesa Lions Club, even serving as the Club’s president from 2020-2021. For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a donation in Jim’s name to the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation, located at 1635 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO 80045.

If you’re seeking a way to remember Jim’s life, go outside, look up to the sky, take a deep breath, and appreciate the great outdoors. That’s where Jim found peace, and we hope it brings you peace as well.