James B. Simpson, 90, formerly of Worcester died Tuesday in UMass Memorial Medical Center, 119 Belmont Street, after an illness.

   He is survived by his wife, Marie G. (Kronoff) Simpson; his children, James J. Simpson, of San Diego, CA, Mary E. Wood, and her husband John, of Auburn, Robert C. Simpson and his wife Rachel of Spotsylvania, VA, Judy Colaianni of Cherry Valley, Katherine L. Brierly, and her husband David of Springfield, VA, and Michael D. Simpson, and his wife Maria, of Worcester. He leaves eight grandchildren, John T. Wood of Merrimack, NH, Julie McDunnah of Brimfield, Heather Mercon of Cherry Valley, Heidi Lucier of Spencer, Steven Mercon of Spencer, Ian Brierly and Kristin Brierly both of Springfield, VA, and Ashley Simpson of Worcester. He also leaves 10 great grandchildren; a brother, Malcolm Simpson and his wife Cynthia of Revere; a close cousin, Dorothy Gregory of Auburn; and several nieces and nephews. Other survivors include a step daughter and step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Marie E. (Gardella) Simpson, and a great grandson, Nathan Gervais-Mercon.

   He was born in Worcester; he was the son of the late Malcolm and Elizabeth (Furlong) Simpson. He was educated in Worcester schools, graduating from Classical High School and later attending Bentley College.

   He proudly served his country in WWII as a member of the U.S. Navy, as a pharmacists mate 3rd class. He worked as a dairy foreman for H. P. Hood for nearly 40 years. He enjoyed collecting miniature trains and music.

   Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday from 4-8 PM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St. Auburn. His funeral will be held Saturday from the funeral home with a Mass celebrated at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park.

   The family asks that flowers be omitted, and Masses be offered for the repose of his soul, or donations may be made to Our Lady Of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester, MA or to the Children of the Fallen a charity which provides assistance to the surviving children and spouses of U.S. Military service persons who have lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. PO Box 3968, Gaithersburg, MD 20885-3968.