of Little Rock, AR

June 9, 1952 - January 19, 2023

James Marlon (Jim) Simpson, Jr., 70, of Little Rock went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

Jim was an accomplished trial lawyer and represented a number of high-profile clients during his 46 years at Friday Eldredge and Clark. He held leadership positions at the firm and for many years trained and mentored young trial lawyers there. Jim led the Arkansas Bar Association as President and was active in and held leadership positions in many trial lawyer organizations, including those that recognize only the top members of the trial bar. The judges and his peers knew him as both a worthy advocate and a civil and fair one. He was proud to be a lawyer and proud to have so many friends among the lawyers whose paths he crossed during his career. Even more so, Jim cherished his many friends at the Friday firm and enjoyed the many hours with them discussing the law and discussing "life".

Jim found much success in his personal life. While a member of Sigma Nu fraternity at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, he was elected Student Government Association president by his classmates and later honored by his alma mater with the Alumni Association Presidents Award.

After earning his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, he met the love of his life, Karen Brooks, at the teller window of a Little Rock bank. She is "the one" he told his many friends and she remained "the one" for 45 years. Jim and Karen have a beautiful daughter, Caitlin, who he adored and grandkids, Charlie and Ellie who call him "Champ".

Jim has many lifelong friends who all valued his trust and support. He was always concerned with their wellbeing, often being the first to offer help when needed. He enjoyed golf and thoroughbred racing with his buddies and they enjoyed his warm friendship. Only a few knew of his expertise on the accordion, but all knew he was a sharp dresser, had a terrific smile, a great sense of humor and never directed an ill word toward another.

Jim was a man of God and faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and taught a singles and young couple's class for the past 30 years. Jim nurtured and loved his class and they returned their love and respect to him.

Jim was preceded in death by his dad, James Marlon Simpson and mother, Wanda Louise Simpson. He is survived by his wife, Karen Brooks Simpson of Little Rock; his daughter, Caitlin and husband, Dr. Andrew West; grandkids, Charlie and Ellie all of Bentonville; sister, Pamela and husband, Dr. Craig Vire of Benton and sister, Brenda and husband, Preston Wright of Fayetteville and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 5-7pm Thursday, January 26 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held the following morning Friday, January 27th at 11am at Calvary Baptist Church with interment at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com