Jeffery "Jeff" Simpson

June 27, 1949 — February 09, 2026

Jeffery Simpson

Service Details

Jeffrey Lee Simpson (1949 - 2026)

Husband. Dad. Grandpa. Uncle. Friend. Teacher. Coach. All these were roles that Jeff excelled in. They allowed people to see his character: kindness, compassion, generosity, love, integrity, humility, and grace. But, none of these roles were Jeff’s true identity. Child of God and follower of Jesus are what truly defined him and still do. Jeff’s earthly life ended on February 9 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. He is now in the presence of King Jesus; Jeff’s Lord, Savior, and Friend was the driving force in all he endeavored to be and to do.

Jeff was born in Des Moines, IA on June 27, 1949 to LaVerne “Bing” and Shirley Simpson. He grew up in rural Johnston, IA and later reflected that he had won “the birth lottery.” Their family often vacationed to Lake Washburn in northern Minnesota where Bing and Shirley eventually purchased a cabin. Jeff continued to love this haven until the end of his life - it was a sanctuary where he could truly relax. Jeff attended Johnston High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. More importantly, he developed many life-long friendships and was deeply impacted by his involvement in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). This became a ministry he championed for his entire life.

After graduating high school, he attended Grandview College in Des Moines, IA and Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in business. He utilized this degree while working at Mid-Seven Transportation (a trucking company founded by his father) at various times in his life. Jeff’s true vocational calling, however, was teaching and coaching. He was the consummate teacher. Beginning his teaching career in 1977, he taught business and math at Saydel High School, West Marshall High School, Stillwell Junior High, and Johnston High School. He was also the Head Boys Basketball Coach at West Marshall, WDM Valley, and Johnston. He led Valley to a state tournament appearance in 1990 and Johnston to a runner-up finish in 2000 along with state appearances in 2004 and 2006. His final season was the 2007-08 season. After a brief break, he spent multiple years coaching the Special Olympics basketball team, the Johnston Outlaws. While he was a fierce competitor, winning was never Jeff’s ultimate goal. Relationships and the impact he could have is what motivated him more than success.

Aside from Jesus, the most important relationship in Jeff’s life began in junior high when Sherry, his wife of 54 years, enrolled at Johnston. While they did not begin dating until late in high school, Jeff and Sherry knew each other for over 63 years. Married life for them began in 1971 with their only child, Matt, being born in 1977. The love that Jeff and Sherry shared and the sacrifices they made for each other were a wonderful reflection of God’s love. Their marriage was a beautiful picture to Matt of what “til death do us part” is supposed to mean.

Jeff loved spending time on the golf course or on a lake fishing. Even these hobbies were often tied to relationships as he loved to include friends and family. He loved taking his grandkids on bike rides and spoiling them rotten - he was known to let them have cake for breakfast on occasion.

Jeff and Sherry were a part of the church family at Meredith Drive Reformed Church for more than 35 years. For the past several years, they enjoyed worshipping at Raccoon Ridge Community Church in Dallas Center where their son was a pastor. Jeff was passionate about using his teaching experience to help people deepen their faith in Jesus. Jeff had his life changed by the grace that Jesus Christ offers and he wanted others to experience that same life-changing grace.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry; his son, Matt (Marisa); and his grandchildren, Daniel, Isabel, and Isaac.

A memorial service is being planned tentatively for Saturday, March 14. More details will be announced when plans are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to FCA or Hope Ministries.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com