Simon, John Joseph

John J. Simon, of Blacksburg, Va., died on Monday, November 24, 2008. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Simon; father-in-law, Col. Morgan West; and two special aunts, Ottilia Simon and Mary Simon.

He leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Cheryl Simon; four sons, Sam Reynolds, Casey Reynolds, Terry Simon and his wife, Emily, and Dan Simon and his wife, Anna-Coleman; his mother, Teressa Simon; five brothers and sisters, Mary Agnes Leuci and her husband, Victor, Joan Anderson and her husband, Jack, Robert Simon and his wife, Jean, Thomas Simon and his wife, Karen, and Margie Meier and her husband, John; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Antonio and Andres Pazos; and many other relatives and friends.

Born in Sedalia, Mo., in 1956, John grew up working on his family’s farm. He attended the University of Missouri and Virginia Tech and settled in Blacksburg, Va., where he resided for 26 years. John was led by his faith and had a vivacious passion for life. He enjoyed helping people, working in the outdoors, and guiding Terry and Dan, and many others through the Boy Scouts.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2008, at the Blacksburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Reggie Tuck officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Gardens of New River Valley, Blacksburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Blacksburg United Methodist Church Christian Life Center, P.O. Box 931, Blacksburg, Va. 24063. Friends may call anytime after noon on Sunday, November 30, 2008, and the family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg, Va.