James Michael Simpson

Funeral services for James Michael Simpson, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Simpson passed away at 11:59 p.m., Monday, March 6, 2023, at Cox South, Springfield, Missouri.  

He was born March 28, 1958, at Harrisonville, Missouri, to James Edward Simpson and Dorothy Mae Smallwood Simpson.  Before his retirement, James worked on the bridge crew of the Burlington-Northern Railroad.  He was a hard worker who fought hard, was a loyal friend and a man of his word.  He loved his family, enjoyed pestering them and was there at any moment he was needed.  James was very adventurous and loved the outdoors; he enjoyed fishing, hunting, farming and most recently loved making fishing rods.  He will be missed.

He is survived by three children, Jamie Simpson, Shannah Wood and husband, Brent and Brooke Robertson; five grandchildren he adored, Mason Bryan, Riley Simpson, Hunter McCullough, Chloe Simpson and Hadley Wood; special friends that called him Papa that he loved very much, McKenzie, Emma, Breezlie, Kinsley and Eli; one brother, Joe (Jody) Simpson; two sisters, Brenda Brotherton and husband, Doug and Cathy Klein; one sister-in-law, Gina Simpson; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one daughter-in-law, Christina Simpson, one brother, Dennis Simpson, one sister, Karen Coursey and three brothers-in-law, Gary Coursey, Mike Barnes and Greg Klein preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Miracle Network or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.