Fire Capt. John R. Simon, who served for 24 years with the Lemay Fire Department, died Sunday (Oct. 19, 2003) after a short battle with cancer at St. Louis University Hospital. He was 56 and a resident of south St. Louis County.

Mr. Simon was born in St. Louis. In his early teens, he volunteered as a junior firefighter at the Gardenville Fire Department in Affton. He attended St. Louis Community College at Meramec, where he earned an associate's degree in fire technology. Throughout his life he continued his education in fire safety at area schools and universities.

In 1965, he served in the Army and was stationed in Vietnam for two years. After his tour, he continued to volunteer at Gardenville Fire Department, where he continued until his death. He also worked at Lambert Field.

In 1979, he began his career as a full-time firefighter with the Lemay Fire Protection District, where he attained the rank of captain in 1996.

From 1979 to 2002, he was an instructor at the St. Louis County Fire Academy, rising through the ranks to deputy chief training officer. In 1996, the 39th Recruit Class of the academy was dedicated to Mr. Simon.

In 1997, Mr. Simon, along with other area firefighters, was an honoree at the annual St. Louis-area firefighters Mass and awards program held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.