James "Freddy" Fredrick Simpson V

James “Freddy” Fredrick Simpson V, 49, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.

James Fredrick Simpson V, affectionately known as “Freddy,” was born to Emily C. Simpson and James Fredrick Simpson IV in Wilmington, North Carolina on January 1st, 1976. Raised in Pender County, he spent his early years along the banks of the Black River with his younger, beloved brother, Jeremy, where his love for the outdoors began to take root. A proud graduate of Pender High School, Freddy went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, later completing his master’s in nursing from Liberty University. He then went on to be a CRRN, Manager of Rehabilitation Nursing and worked at the New Hanover Hospital for over 20 years! 

Freddy’s passion for the water never waned. He ran a fishing charter out of Wrightsville Beach, sharing his expertise and love for the ocean with others, and he was an avid fisherman and surfer throughout his life.

In time, Freddy met and married the love of his life, Jennifer Anne Krieger. Together they built a family and a life filled with adventure, raising their two children, Emma and Davis. Whether at home or on the road, Freddy’s greatest joy was being with them, especially as they traveled the country competing on national dirt bike racing circuits.

Freddy will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his deep love for family, and his ability to inspire those around him to embrace life with passion and courage. His contagious smile would literally light up a room. 

The family will be receiving friends and family on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025. 

The Celebration of Life and a gathering of friends will continue at Dockside Restaurant following the service.

At 3 p.m. the family will set sail to honor Freddy’s final wishes to be released at sea. Anyone with a boat is invited to follow.

A private family ceremony will be held at Simpson Family Cemetery.

Gifts in memory of Freddy can be designated to Novant Health New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital at give.nhrmc.org (http://give.nhrmc.org/) or mailed to New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation, 2605 Iron Gate Dr, Ste 100, Wilmington, NC 28412.

Freddy would like to leave one last parting thought to please go to surfchex.com.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Freddy" Fredrick Simpson V, please visit our floral store.