John W. H. Simpson ’66

THE CLASS LOST one of its most courageous members when John Simpson died of a heart attack while bicycling near Rocky Hill, N.J., Sept. 19, 1993. John's death occurred two months shy of the 10th anniversary of a near-fatal automobile accident, which had left him with severe burns and head injuries. He endured 52 skin grafts and other reconstructive operations, but eventually resumed his career as a photographer. With $22 million from an out-of-court settlement relating to the crash, John established a trust to aid burn victims and their families.

John came to Princeton from the Taft School, and as an undergraduate, he majored in art and was president of Theatre Intime and a member of Charter Club. Following graduation, he taught at Far Hills (N.J.) Country Day School and worked in the textbook divisions of Doubleday and Houghton Mifflin, before becoming a professional photographer. Many of his photographs appeared in PAW, and he shot the class's group pictures for our 15th, 20th, and 25th reunions.

The doctors who treated John attributed his recovery to his spirit and unflagging humor. John himself credited his family and friends. "Why is it," he asked, "that we have to come so close to losing life in order to truly cherish it?" John was the son of the late Wellington H. Simpson '31. Our deepest sympathies go to his son, Jamie; daughter, Jebb; his former wife, Susan; and brother, Peter.

The Class of 1966