Jim Simon

(From Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home)

James J. “Jim” Simon, 73, of Erie, passed away at 2:07 p.m., Saturday, July 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

James Joseph Simon was born January 29, 1950, in Wichita, Kansas, to Aloysius W. and Helen I. (Rohling) Simon. As a young boy, he lived in Colwich, until moving with his family to Fredonia, where he attended Sacred Heart Grade School. In 1959, he moved with his family to Parsons, where he attended St. Mary’s and Meadow View Grade Schools. He graduated from Labette County High School in 1968 and later earned an Associate’s degree in wood technology from Labette Community College.

 

Following high school, Jim went to work for Hallmark in Kansas City until he was drafted into the Army in 1969. He spent 18 months in Germany as a specialist in Artillery on the Persian Missile. After completing two years of military service and receiving an honorable discharge, Jim returned to working at Hallmark for another few years. He then went to work as a driver for Nash Trucking. Later he drove for Kan Ag Grain, Heck & Wicker and W.S.K.T.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. Since joining in 1983, Jim was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a 4th Degree Knight and served two years as Grand Knight. Jim enjoyed woodworking, bowling, restoring classic cars and gardening.

In 1969, Jim and Vicki Nash were united in marriage. The couple later divorced. On April 15, 1989, Jim and Mildred (Newton) Lackey were united in marriage. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include;

One daughter - Chenise Simon of North Carolina

One son - Tim Simon and his wife, DeAnna, of Joplin, Missouri

One step-daughter - Amanda Vandervoort and her husband, Steve, of Hebron, Nebraska

One step-son - Mike Lackey and his wife, Sylvia, of Fitzgerald, Georgia

Three grandchildren - Trenton and Kalynn Simon; and Sadie Simon

Seven step-grandchildren - Zachary, Michaela and Brielle Vandervoort; Isabelle and Corbin Lackey; and Tara and Kayla Bissenette

Three brothers - David Simon and his wife, Mary, of Eureka, Kansas;

Bill Simon and his wife, Bonnie, of Eudora, Kansas; Glen Simon and his wife, Susan, of Bentley, Kansas

Three sisters - Mary McKinney and her husband, Dwaine, of Wichita, Kansas;

Joan Hizey of Parsons, Kansas; and Janet Kinsch & her husband, Jerry, of Parsons, Kansas

One sister-in-law - Jackie Simon of Wichita, Kansas

Numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Helen Simon; a granddaughter, Samantha Simon; a baby brother, Kevin Simon; and three brothers Eugene, Richard and Ernie Simon.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in St. Paul. The Knights of Columbus rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., and the parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends following the parish rosary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.