Obituary of James Cadman Simcox, II

James Cadman Simcox II, 96, of Fairfax, VA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 13, 2022.  James was born as an only child on June 20, 1926, in Brooklyn NY.  He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Lillian Simcox, five children Michael G. Simcox of Houston, TX, Patrice Barbo of Harrington Park, NJ, Laura Economos of Arlington, VA, Michael C. Simcox of Charlotte, NC, Jamie Simcox of Alexandria, VA and 13 wonderful grandchildren.  He attended Xavier High School in Manhattan as part of their renowned military program where he became eligible for ROTC advancement.  He enlisted in the Navy in April 1944 at the young age of 17 to serve his country in the Asia-Pacific War of WWII.  During his 2 years of service, he sailed the Pacific seas on the USS Daniel, Edsall Class – a destroyer escort, and the USS YMS-136 – an auxiliary minesweeper.  These ships secured the way, clearing the ocean of enemy mines for the fleet following them.  A testament to Jim’s persona – clearing the way and paving the path for others to succeed.

After his service, he was accepted to St Peters University in Jersey City, NJ where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Minor in Human Relations, he then proceeded to earn his MBA in Finance from New York University.  This led him to a successful career at Mobil Oil Corporation, where for 39 years he led the Treasury and Finance functions – as the Assistant Treasurer.  After retiring from Mobil, he spent 6 months in the Czech Republic as a planning and business advisor to Chemopetrol in the small town of Litvinov.

In 1972 Jim met Lillian, his future wife, and her 3 children Patrice, Laura, and Michael. Jim came into the marriage with a son, Michael Gerard.  Jim and Lillian married on October 12, 1973, and in true to form, Jim happily adopted Lillian’s three children as his own and was later blessed with a son Jamie born in 1974.  This “His, Mine and Ours” Brady bunch of a crew loved spending family time together where there was always food, fun, and a party.

Each day of his life, Jim showed love and devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren, which brought him great joy, his children are his legacy. He helped pave the way for their own life journey, preparing and enabling their paths.  Jim passed along many of his beloved characteristics to each of his children, and in each of them lies his gift to us all.  Jim found great purpose in sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him.  He was authentically and wholeheartedly present for those in his life.

Our father provided us all both the support and opportunity to expand our horizons and experiences. He once said that “it was best to try everything”. In that way, you would never be unable to participate in an activity or conversation. Jim was not only an amazing father and husband, but was a builder, a preparer of foundations. He had a gift of digging away the covering of earth from around you…exposing your foundation…for who you are and finding the good in you.  You felt compelled to explore and embrace the best parts of yourself in his presence. 

Jim was an avid gardener, landscaper, and woodworker, a self-proclaimed “do-It-yourselfer”. He was a world traveler, devoted father, husband, and son of the Catholic Church.  He visited over ninety countries in his lifetime through Mobil and personal travel, with a dozen stories to tell about each one of them.  Jim was known for his storytelling and would captivate a room of people like no other.  He loved exotic places, local foods, and a fine glass of port wine after a meal. 

Our father was a great example of which we all aspire to emulate.  His example inspires us all to be a better person and to help those around us.

Truly a “cornerstone” of the family. A rock upon which we all can stand proudly upon.

As we look to the future with hope and courage, we also can all look to the past for guidance and remember our father, with a smile on our face.

“Instead of flowers, Jim would hope that you would consider performing an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone less fortunate than you in his name”.

A celebration of Jim’s life will occur later in the year with friends and family.