James P. Simon

James P. Simon, 83, of Ottumwa, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Sunset Manor in Waverly.

He was born February 8, 1933 in Sharon, Kansas the son of C.J. and Leota L. Lichliter Simon. Jim grew up in Sharon and graduated from Sharon High School with the Class of 1951.

Jim was a lifelong bridge builder, beginning as a carpenter and working his way up to supervisor.

He was joined in marriage to Leota May Germann on September 22, 1956 in Olpe, Kansas.
Together they raised eight children.

Jim will remain in the hearts of his wife, Leota of their home; sons, Robert J. Simon and wife Lisa of St. Louis, Mo., James P. Simon of Newton, Ks., Joseph W. Simon of Burlington, Ks. and David A. Simon and wife Sandy of Americus, Ks., Richard A. Simon of Lexington, Neb.; daughters, Kathleen M. Russell and husband David of Valdosta, Georgia and Patricia A. Smalley of Olpe; fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by an infant son, Patrick Simon; his parents; a brother Charles Paul; sisters Merida Goetz and Barbara Kramer.