John Jerome Simpson, 93, Hot Springs, passed away on Dec. 27, 2024, at the South Dakota State Veterans Home, surrounded by members of his loving family.

John was born on Sept. 2, 1931, in Madison, S.D. to George and Kathryn Simpson, the youngest of six brothers.  From early on, family members noted his quick mind and a contrarian nature.  He learned to how argue from his parents and older brothers, who valued this skill.  When just a little boy, he received a master class in storytelling at the knee of his grandfather, Casper Fergen, who homesteaded in South Dakota.  He attended St. Thomas Catholic School and Madison High School, where he was a member of the 1949 Madison debate team, which won the state high school debate championship.

After high school, John studied history at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn., and the University of South Dakota, graduating in 1953.  That same year, he followed in the footsteps of four of his brothers who served in WWII by enlisting in the Army, serving as a telegraph operator for the 370th Armored Infantry Battalion in Germany.  His experiences overseas affected him deeply and inspired his daughter to also serve in the military.  After his service, John used the GI Bill to attend law school at the University of South Dakota, graduating in 1958.

In 1958, John began work as an Assistant Attorney General in Pierre.  In 1960, he moved to Gregory, to work with Dudley Herman in his private practice and live in prime hunting territory.  In 1962, he opened his own practice in Winner, with the help of attorney Roscoe Knodell, who also helped him get elected Tripp County States Attorney in 1965 and 1967.  John practiced law in Winner for over 50 years.  He especially enjoyed representing juveniles and criminal defendants as a court-appointed lawyer.  He had a soft spot for underdogs and often worked pro bono.  He also taught gifted education at St. Francis Indian School and served as a Tribal Judge for the Lower Brule Tribe.  In his later years he researched and wrote three books on the history of Western South Dakota.

He loved reading (mostly history), watching sports, hunting pheasants with his labrador retrievers, planting huge gardens (especially tomatoes) and spending time with (and playing practical jokes on)  friends such as "Pizza Tom" Falencik, Mike Winckler and Leo English.   He enjoyed debating the merits of his cases and politics with colleagues like Stan Whiting and Mick Grossenburg at Sargent's Cafe.

In 1967, John married Freya Meseck, and together they raised Mike, Kristina and Bob.  He was a fantastic father.  He never missed a game or school event.  He coached sports teams.  He used family dinners to teach his kids how to debate current events.  He took his kids fishing and hunting and camping.  His home was filled with hundreds of books, which he encouraged his kids to read and then discuss with him.  When the kids left home, he kept in touch with regular phone calls, letters, and visits, always encouraging his kids to "keep going" through adversity.  He inspired his kids by his constant efforts to improve himself and the world around him.  He often told his kids to enjoy the little things in life and "make the journey something to enjoy in itself."

Despite his many activities and interests, he was the world's greatest dad to us.

When grandchildren entered the picture, John gave them the same love and attention he had given his kids.  He was now "Grampy J"-outspoken, entertaining and a lot of fun.  He beat them at cribbage, attended their plays, games and concerts, learned about iPhones and algorithms, and continued to "enjoy the journey."  He had a special relationship with each of them.  He kept up to date on their latest accomplishments and whereabouts.  Just like his grandpa, he made the past come alive through stories.  As the grandkids said, "Grampy J is iconic."

In 2014, at the age of 83, John's health declined, and he moved to the State Veterans Home in Hot Springs.  At that time, he could barely walk and there was serious concern whether he would make it much longer.  In true Grampy J fashion, he vowed to "walk out of here," which seemed very unlikely at the time.  A year later, after much hard work, he accomplished his goal.  In 2015, he moved to Holiday Hills Estates in Rapid City, where he made many new friends (and listeners) and grew crops of tomatoes at the Canyon Lake Senior Center garden plot.  In 2021, after a fall, his health declined, and he returned to the Veterans Home.  At the age of 92 and in even worse health, he lobbied the Veterans Home to let him put raised beds in his room.  In a few months, his east-facing window was filled with tomato vines, and soon he was sharing cherry tomatoes with his caregivers.  Even as the end of his life drew near and his health worsened, he enjoyed the little things:  the yellow blooms on a tomato plant, the sound of geese flying south, or the taste of some special cheese ordered off the internet.  His last years at the Veterans Home were filled with many acts of kindness and love.  The care he received at the Veterans Home was truly remarkable.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Mike (Marinell) Simpson of Rapid City, Kristina (Ken) Spearman of Avila Beach, Calif., and Bob (Johanna) Simpson of Sioux Falls.  He also is survived by nine grandchildren: Scott (Joy) Thornburg, Rapid City,  Jake Simpson, Washington, DC, Danny Thornburg, Rapid City, Shila Simpson, Flagstaff, Ariz., Halley Thornburg, Forest Lake, Minn., Jessa Simpson, Missoula, Mont., Jack Simpson, Los Angeles, Calif., and Alana and Zara Spearman, Avila Beach, Calif.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his five brothers (Elwood, Jim, Gene, Vincent, and Father Maurus), his daughter-in-law Lori Simpson and granddaughter Macy Simpson.

John's legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, friends and all who crossed his path.  He truly "made the journey something to enjoy in itself."  His death leaves a void that can never be filled, but his love, intelligence and sense of humor will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A Vigil service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m.  A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 20, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison, SD.  Visitation will begin at the church starting at 9:30 a.m.  Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery in Madison.