Father of current Lisburn Chairman Dean and grandfather of 1XI players David and Richard, Jim was a great stalwart of North-West cricket over many years, before he moved to Lisburn to be closer to his family. He was a big family man and took great pride in the cricket exploits of Dean and the boys. His wife Mary hosted many cricket gatherings at their home in Eglinton and she provided terrific support to him during his years in office.
Jim Simpson emerged through the Eglinton Club in the 1950s at a time when they were arguably the strongest club in North-West cricket. He was a modest performer on the field, but found his cricket niche in later life as a top umpire and skilful administrator. He was North-West Cricket Union Secretary from 1977 to 1989 before becoming Chairman after the sudden death of Michael Bannigan. Michael and Jim were big friends and in tandem with Jack Semple they were a formidable trio at Irish Cricket Union level. Jim was the North-West Chairman for six years and deserves a lot of credit for building stronger relations with his peers in the Northern Cricket Union and giving the North-West more recognition at national level. He should have been elected Irish Cricket Union President at some stage for his service to cricket, but it never happened and in due course he moved to the Lisburn area where he became a staunch supporter of his grandsons, in much the same way that he had guided and supported Dean through his distinguished cricket career at Eglinton, Brigade, North of Ireland and latterly at Lisburn.
Jim's contribution to cricket was far-reaching. He was an endearing host at the North-West Senior Cup Final, where in tandem with his good friend Northern Bank
Regional Director Bill McAllister they generously entertained a wide range of guests. He also orchestrated a series of excellent North-West Annual Dinners where many leading cricket celebrities were guest speakers. He had a great way with people and handled many difficult situations with great patience and integrity. It was usually some time later when the waters were calmed that everyone realised that Jim had still got his way! It was a measure of his wise counsel and diplomacy, and of course, his sense of humour.
Jim's health deteriorated in recent times, but his death will still come as a shock to everyone who knew him. Sadly, his big broad smile will be missed on the Wallace Park boundary. His funeral will be at 12.30 on Saturday at Magheragall Parish Church, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn.
To his wife Mary, and the entire family circle we extend our sincere condolences.
Rest In Peace dear friend and thanks for some wonderful fellowship
JCH
