Crystal Falls-John D. Simpson, Sr. passed away peacefully at Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls, Mich., on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. He was born on January 13, 1925 in Minonk, Ill. He was the son of the late James Allen Simpson and late Lottie Wilcox. Loving husband of 30 years to the late Ann Simpson (1980) and for the past 24 years, his companion, Mary Lou Schreiner. John left college as a Sophomore to enlist in the U.S. Army and served from 1943-1945 during World War II. He was a Corporal and Heavy Mortar Crewman ("Gunner") and fought with the 7th and 68th Regiments of the 1st Cavalry Division. In Oct. 1944 made the beach landing in the Philippines and took Manilla from the Japs. John was awarded four (4) Bronze Stars for Campaigns at New Guinea, Bismarck, Archipelago, Southern Philippines and Luzon. He was also awarded a Good Conduct Medal and Philippine Liberation Medal with two (2) Bronze Stars. After returning from the war, John received his Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1949. He was the resident engineer for the Grant Park Underground Garage in Chicago as well as some of the early work at Meigs Field in Chicago. In 1955 he moved to Joliet and worked for Ugland Construction Co. He later became a partner in what was Ugland Simpson Construction Co. In 1965, John and Ann formed John D. Simpson Construction Co. which specialized in industrial concrete and marine construction. John worked with his three sons in the business from 1979-1991. John retired in 1991. In 2001, John and Mary Lou moved to Crystal Falls, Mich. John was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was a 32nd degree Mason, member of the VFW, American Legion and National Rifle Association. John is survived by his three sons; John D. Simpson, Jr. (Patricia) of Joliet, Ill., Jeffrey A. Simpson (Tern) of New London, Wis. and James T. Simpson (Pamela) of Serena, Ill. Also, grandchildren, Cone, Scott, Krista, David Simpson and step grandchildren, Dominick and Brieanna Chellino. He is preceded in death by one brother, Allen; two sisters, Alice Webster and Ruth Schibler and grandson, Ryan Simpson. Memorials to a charity of choice. Private family services will be held. You may light a candle in remembrance of John or leave a condolence for her family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com. The family has chosen the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, to honor John's legacy of life.