Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Thomas Simington

June 6, 1930 - November 17, 2014
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Friday, November 21, 2014
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Food and beverages will be served.

Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, November 22, 2014
11:00 AM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Burial will take place in the Spring of 2015.

Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

American Diabetes Association
P,O. Box 7023
Merrifield, VA 22116-7023
(800) 342-2383
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Described as a simple man, Thomas (Jim) Simington carried himself with honor and integrity while holding himself to high moral standards in everything he did. He loved life and was content in wherever his journey took him while holding his loved ones close to his heart. Known as “Papa” to many, he was completely devoted to his family and lived to provide them with the life they desired. When it came to his children he was patient, understanding, and compassionate with immeasurable amounts of unconditional love. Although he will be deeply missed, Tom leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow him.

It was great to be an American during the Roaring Twenties, but the 1930s were a much different story as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Prosperity turned to despair as jobs became few and far between, which sent the unemployment rate soaring to over 25 percent. It was just as these challenging days were becoming a reality that his parents Harry and Hilda were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Thomas Franklin on June 6, 1930. He was the oldest of five children in his family, and his birth was quite an event as he made his arrival on the kitchen table in the family home in Otsego.

In many ways Tom experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. He was the typical big brother described by his youngest brother Bob, as domineering and a bit bossy to his younger siblings. His Father worked hard to support the family and was a devoted Christian and religion was an important part of his life. Tom’s beliefs were always something he wanted to find his own way with, but he had accepted Christ as his savior years ago. He was especially close to his Mother who also shared in his work ethics as she was employed many years at a local paper mill. He attended Otsego schools until his eighth grade year when he left school to help the family with the farming, and shared stories of making cottage cheese. With a lifelong impeccable work ethic, Tom began working at Allied Paper Mill when he was just 15, and he remained there until they closed 30 years later.

New and exciting changes were in store for Tom when he met the young woman from Ohio, with whom he would share many special years of his life. Her name was Violet “Jean” Collins, and they met through mutual friends. They began dating and soon found themselves ready to spend the rest of their lives together. Tom and Violet were married on November 19, 1960, in Kalamazoo.

After a honeymoon in Niagara Falls, the newlyweds returned to the Kalamazoo area and started a family soon after. For years Tom and his wife were foster parents through Catholic Family Services for over 50 babies. Later on they took in young pregnant mothers as they simply loved being around children and sharing innocent laughter and life, too. Tom, or Papa as he was often known, was a devoted father to his daughters, Trudy and Tracy. He was such a loving and understanding Father who was there for his girls in whatever they needed.

Tom’s family was always at the heart of his hard work. According to Papa, he worked in order to pay for his wife’s credit cards! At times he held down three jobs at one time, working up to 100 hours a week. After Allied Paper closed in the early seventies, Tom worked for Precision Heat Treat until he retired. He also drove for DeLong Ambulance, worked as a security guard for Charles Service, and a truck driver for Allied Chemical. After retirement, his impeccable work ethics lead him to part-time employment at Parchment Hardings where he retired just a few years ago.

Outside of work Papa was also a bustle of activity. He and his wife took up bowling as a couple, and it was something that he kept up on and became very good at. In fact, Tom was still bowling until just the day before he was hospitalized, most often at Eastland and Continental Lanes. He also enjoyed his golfing, and as someone who was active he walked the course until the most recent years. He frequently playing at Eastern Golf and Crestview Golf courses and was always proud of hitting those low scores! One memory is the summer he was hit twice, on the top of the head by a golf ball (which left a permanent indentation.) Until a few years ago, Tom was also proud to be seen sporting around in his blue mustang convertible.

Life became more difficult for Papa with the death of his beloved wife in 1995. He had been such a wonderful caretaker for her as she was plagued with health issues for years. Papa continued on, however, as he continued to cherish time spent with family and embrace the days he was given. He was always delighted to see his grandchildren and was such a steadfast presence in their lives, too. Tom was also proud of his son Jim and grandson Jimmy and their work as a jewelers. He loved the home cooked meals that his daughters made for him, and he was also a regular at his favorite restaurants where he made numerous close friends. For years Tom was part of a breakfast group of guys and gals when he frequently enjoyed his biscuits and gravy. He kept the yard looking nice, along with the many other things that Jean insisted. When relaxing with television Papa usually preferred classics like Hee Haw, The Three Stooges, Texas Walker Ranger, as well as watching sports like golf, bowling, and WWE. Classic country and artists Roy Rogers, Glen Campbell, and George Jones were his favorite.

When reflecting on the life of Thomas Simington, words such as simple, steadfast, and kind come to mind, however, it was his unending devotion to his family that will be his lasting legacy. It was easy to see that his greatest source of pride and joy was found in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It has been said that Tom could be a spitfire, especially when it came to his driving skills, yet he also loved life, laughter, and having a good time. Generous, almost to a fault, there was nothing that Papa wouldn’t do for someone else. He will never be forgotten.

Thomas Franklin (Jim) Simington died on Monday, November 17, 2014. Tom’s family includes

his two daughters, Trudy (Calvin) Campbell and Tracy Perin, along with five granddaughters and three great grandchildren; son, Jim (Janet) Simington, and their three children and three grandchildren; sons Randy, Bob, and Jeff Simington (and their families); siblings, Glen (Kay) Simington, Bob Simington, Joyce (Rodney) Stout, and Bonnie (Bucky) Harper; and sisters-in-law, Marjorie Kelly and Annie Jones. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Violet Jean (Collins) Simington, and his parents, Harold and Hilda (Harter) Simington. Learn more about Tom and visit with his family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Friday from 5-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900), where services will take place on Saturday 11 AM. Burial will take place in the spring of 2015. Please visit Tom’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of him and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

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