In front of peers, friends and loved ones, the late James Simpson was not only remembered, but honored as the City of Gainesville unveiled the newly opened James Simpson Boulevard during a grand-opening celebration Wednesday.
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“Before passing away in December 2021, Simpson served as the owner of Gainesville-based Simpson Trucking and Grading Inc., which he founded in the early 1980s.
“Since 1984, Simpson Trucking and Grading has worked on many projects in Gainesville, Hall County and beyond,” said Mayor Sam Couvillon. “Projects like the Gainesville 85 Business Park that required a significant amount of earth-moving are their specialty.
“He (Simpson) was involved in many significant projects in the area,” Couvillon added.
As City leaders witnessed progress in the new Gainesville 85 Business Park, Couvillon and the Gainesville City Council came up with the idea to name a roadway in Simpson’s honor.
“They were honored,” Gainesville Department of Water Resources Director Linda MacGregor said in describing how Simpson’s loved ones received the news that his name would have a permanent mark on the business park, as well as Gainesville.
James Simpson Boulevard currently extends from Fulenwider to Allen Creek roads, but the City doesn’t plan on stopping there.
“The project to extend James Simpson Boulevard to U.S. Route 129 South will be under construction this summer, also awarded to Simpson Trucking and Grading,” said Public Relations Director Christina Santee.
James Simpson Boulevard is also within close proximity to the Allen Creek Soccer Complex.”