Viewing will be held Friday, July 31, 2020 from noon until 7:00 P.M. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Elmwood Cemetery.

Jessie Morris Simon, Jr. was born on June 4, 1950 to the late Jessie Morris Simon, Sr. and the late Ruby Lee Simon in Bessemer, Alabama.

Jessie was a proud graduate of Wenonah High School and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. 

A man of faith, family and leading by example, Jessie was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Graymont for multiple decades until his death.  Jessie also worked as a broadcast engineer for WBRC Fox 6 News for 38 years at the time of his passing.  He was also a member of the United States Army.

Jessie was known for giving his no-nonsense and thought-provoking insights on various topics, his wonderful meals, and was a huge Alabama Crimson Tide fan.  These interests were in full display on his show, the internet sensation, “In the Kitchen with Papa” on Facebook.  He never met a stranger, and always enjoyed sewing seeds of wisdom into young people. He also loved to capture life’s most precious moments behind the camera lens and provide the soundtrack to life’s most wonderful events as owner of Simple Simon Photography, Music and Video.

Jessie transitioned to his heavenly home on July 27, 2020 and was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Ruby Lee Simon; his father, Mr. Jessie M. Simon, Sr.; his brother, Mr. Tracy E. Simon, and his sister Ms. Kathleen Simon.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife of 38 years, Annie Frances Underwood Simon; Two daughters: Jessica Simon (Tyjuan) Law of Dallas, Texas and Alicia Simon of Birmingham, Alabama. A son, Jonathan Simon of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Four sisters: Maureen Nollie and Ruby Faye (Ralph) Banks of Birmingham, Alabama; Audrey Simon of Chicago, Illinois; Carol (Tim) Heinse of Huntsville, Alabama.  Three brothers:  Arnold (Janella) Simon of Pleasant Grove, Alabama; Johnny Ray (Sharon) Simon of Huntsville, Alabama; and Charles (Keewanee) Barton of Tampa, Florida;  three Aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.  He also leaves his special twin co-hosts of his show, “In the Kitchen with Papa”, Addison Croom and Elle Croom; and his business partner and close friend, Donald Carter.

https://www.smithandgastonfuneralhome.com/obituary/jessie-simon-jr