James Simpson

James Simpson, Sr. (1874–1939) was a Scottish-American businessman who led Marshall Field & Co. and Commonwealth Edison. He also held directorships at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and companies such as the New York Central Railroad. He also led the Chicago Plan Commission for nine years.

Early life and education Simpson was born in 1874. In 1880, he immigrated to the United States. In the United States he attended public school and business college.

In 1926, Simpson succeeded the retiring Charles Wacker as the chairman of the Chicago Plan Commission, a position he held for the next nine years.

Simpson retired from his position at Marshall Field & Co. in 1932 and took a position as the chairman of Commonwealth Edison. He held this position until his death.