John A. Simpson, 45, of Sutton, died Tuesday morning Jan. 3, 2012, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndon, surrounded by his wife and family, following a long illness. He was born Jan. 9, 1966, in St. Johnsbury the son of Donald and Connie (Elliott) Simpson. He graduated from Lyndon Institute in 1984 where he played football. On July 14, 1984, he married Daniele Kelley. They operated the Burke View Dairy Farm for many years in Sutton until John's illness forced him to retire. Working the John A. Simpson land, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, hunting, shooting skeet, spending time with his family and attending church brought him great pleasure. Following John's illness, his nephew, Ryan Simpson, developed a special relationship with John and now operates the farm with his family and longtime employees. Survivors include his wife, Daniele Simpson of Sutton; four daughters: Jaclyn Simpson and her son Brayden of Charlotte, N.C., Amanda Simpson of Lyndon, Stephanie Simpson of Sutton, and Melissa Riendeau and husband Kevin of Wheelock; his father, Donald Simpson and wife Susan of Sutton and Florida; two brothers, Tim Simpson and wife Dianna of Sutton, and Bruce Simpson of Essex Junction and his friend Kathy Armstrong of East Burke; a sister, Karla Barrett and husband Mark of Sutton; his mother in-law, Diane Kelley of Derby; two brothers in-law, Larry Kelley and wife Peggy, and Shawn Kelley and his fiancée Chantel Robert also of Derby; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Connie Simpson in 1996; and a baby sister Susan Simpson in 1955. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m. at the Sutton Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. David Colwell officiating. Spring burial will be in Sutton Village Cemetery on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at 2 p.m. Donations made in his memory may be directed to Lyndon Institute, (for the Football Program) c/0 Paul Wheeler, P.O. Box 127, Lyndon Center, VT 05850.