John Simpson is the Pastoral Care Minister at St. James Cathedral.  He writes:

I was born in Chicago, IL and raised in a Catholic home.  In fact, I attended Saint Nicholas School and was taught by the sisters of Saint Agnes from grades one through seven. I spent my youth in Seattle, however, and graduated from Mount Rainier High School, in Des Moines. I earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Seattle Pacific College, an Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Andover Newton Theological School – where I am a member of the Jonathan Edwards Society honoring academic excellence and leadership.  An ordained protestant minister for over 25 years I have served as the pastor of churches in NY, IA, CT, and Seattle. In addition, I have worked with and written curriculum for Prison Fellowship and taught as adjunct faculty in school of theology at Seattle Pacific University. I returned to the Catholic faith in 2003. 
 
I am married to Jane, have three children, and a dog – an Australian Shepherd named Saint Barnabas – whom we call Barney (see Acts 4:36). I love movies, baseball and reading. I am a long-time season ticket holder with the Seahawks and perpetually strive to lower my golf handicap.
 
I have served on the Saint James staff since July of 2007 as the Pastoral Care Minister. I coordinate the grief ministries of the Cathedral, including funerals. In addition, I direct the ministries to the elderly including senior trips, van service for the 10:00 a.m. Mass, as well as audio and Eucharistic ministry for the homebound and communal celebrations of the sacrament of the sick. What is more, I serve as the staff liaison to the Cabrini Ministry Training program and the Cathedral Health and Healing Committee. I serve on the parish Stewardship Council too. Last but not least, I am also a catechist for RCIA in the department of religious education.