Jim and Tina Simpson – Les Marie Florist
STORY: April 1,2026 , , 2026
HerrinFesta Italiana – 2026 Corporate Honoree Les Marie Florist in Herrin, IL is a legendary business for flower arrangements for all occasions and gifts. Jim and Tina Simpson, owners, for 38 years have provided creative window displays for each season and holiday and provided hundreds of funeral casket sprays, side pieces, cemetery silk flowers, prom bouquets and successful and challenging holiday events with gifts and flowers on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day over the decades at 1001 South Park Avenue.
Jim is a l973 graduate of Marion High school. In l972 still in high school he began a CVE work program at Fox’s Flowers in Marion. He remained there until l976, where his floral design ability was recognized and utilized.
Jim and Tina Davis of Herrin were married in September, l976. She was a beautician and a graduate of JALC Cosmetology program. Both are serious floral designers. The couple combined their floral design ability and personal connections to customers , always together and own one of the most successful flower and gift shops in the region.
Jim’s formal floral design training came from all the master floral designers in southern Illinois. He now marks 53 years in the floral industry. Their first location was next to Herrin City Hall. The couple purchased Les Marie Florist in April, l996 when they moved to their current location, 1001 South Park Avenue in Herrin.
The couple have two daughters, Lesleigh Simpson-Bennett (Chris) Mariessa Simpson-Orso (Curt) and 5 grandchildren. They have a deep connection to the Herrin community and to all of their customers and their families. They will be honored at the HerrinFesta Italiana Mayor’s Banquet Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Herrin Civic Center.
