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Sylva Rotary Club recognizes Simpson's attendance record

By Rose Hooper
Jim Simpson

The Sylva Rotary Club recently honored long-time member Jim Simpson of Webster for 32 years of perfect attendance. -Herald photo by Rose Hooper

 During the Sylva Rotary Club's recent installation of officers, a special award was presented to Jim Simpson.

A long-time member, Simpson was honored for 32 years of perfect attendance in the club. "That's not an easy task; we meet every week," said in-coming President Charlie McConnell, who made a personal gift for the occasion. "Next to Jim, before he died, Dr. Ralph Morgan had the next best attendance record. The two of them were great Rotary fellows and shared a mutual admiration society."

McConnell gave Simpson a clock he crafted "from the same batch of wormy chestnut that made Dr. Morgan's house."

"If it had not been for Dr. Morgan, I might not have kept up my Rotary attendance," Simpson admitted. "He was a real inspiration and a good friend."

A world traveler, Simpson did not always attend meetings at the Sylva club. "I've made up meetings in England, Scotland and even Paraguay," said this Webster resident. "That's a good way to understand the international fellowship of Rotary."

Each year, the Sylva club awards an international scholarship to a student to study abroad. According to Simpson, the club began with one businessman who felt isolated in his profession and began meeting with other businessmen. As the number of members grew, the meetings rotated from one business place to another. Hence, the name "Rotary." The rotary also represents that each member is part of a cog in the business society.

In 1969, Rotarian Jim Gray sponsored Simpson into the Sylva club. "Jim is one of the most dedicated Rotarians I've known in my years of service. He is a true Rotarian to the spirit of the word," said Gray.

Out-going President Jay Coward presented Simspon with an engraved plaque for his 32 years of perfect attendance in a club where he has held almost every position. Simpson has served as secretary-treasurer, president-elect, president and on the board of directors.

Simpson is also active in the Presbyterian Church, where he has served as elder, deacon, chairman of the building committee and member of the property committee. Born and raised in Charlotte, Simpson graduated from Duke University and served three years in the U.S. Army, two of them in Germany.

A former service representative for Ford Motor Co., Simpson bought the Chevrolet dealership here in 1969, selling it in 1975. He retired as owner of All-American Awards and the Christian Shop.

He and his wife, Margaret, have two daughters: Grace Simpson of Sylva and Margaret Vestal of Asheville; and two grandchildren.

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