James Carey Simon

December 14, 2011, 2:21 pm 0 Edit

SIMON: On Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, James Carey Simon, 89, originally of McKeesport, Pa.; humble, unfailingly kind, calm. These words only begin to describe James Carey Simon, a true patriarch to his family. Mr. Simon died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, Dec. 4 at age 89. James was born in McKeesport, Pa., the youngest of three children of Abraham Simon, dean of the McKeesport legal establishment, and Edith Firestone, who played in the ladies’ orchestra. Jim was the ultimate Boy Scout leader. He was always trying to do the right thing. Jimmy, as he was always called, was passionate about airplanes from a young age, landing his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. One aunt always promised she would buy him an airplane when he was old enough. A few years later, he tried to collect. No such luck. Jim graduated from Shady Side Academy, which he attended with his brother, Henry. In 1942, he graduated from Penn State University with a degree in English literature. He met the love of his life, Shirley Jaskol, of Clairton, Pa., in an elevator at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning. They married in September 1948 and were inseparable the next 63 years until Mr. Simon’s death — JimandShirley as one word. One defining event of Jim’s life was serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. He served in the 486th Bomb Squadron, in England, from May 1944 to August 1945. A daring co-pilot on B-17s, he was a true American hero, flying more than 35 missions over Germany. He received several medals including a 7 Oak Leaf Cluster. Jim and Shirley had three children. Thomas and his wife, Kate, both medical doctors, gave the couple comfort, happiness and two grandchildren, Mark and Jennifer. Though rarely prone to bragging, Jim would talk about his grandchildren’s many achievements. It was a quiet pride. Alan, the second child, and his wife, Jeanette, made them laugh and entertained them with music, cooking and gardening. The youngest, Robin, to whom he will always be daddy, lived next door. Jim so loved having her close by. Jim was an avid golfer, often frustrated by that little white ball. He was proud of two two! hole-in-ones. He was an active member at Temple Emanuel in Beverly Hills, Calif., and served on the Municipal League and city planning commissions for many years. His life work ranged from selling airplane parts to real estate appraising. An environmentalist before his time, he often rode his bicycle to work the same bicycle for 40 years.
Mr. Simon is survived by his wife, Shirley, three children, spouses and grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Alma Simon Balter, of Fort Lauderdale. He was her rock, as he was for Alma’s daughter, his niece, Margie Balter.