Roger Simon: A Legacy of Wit and Impact

Roger Simon stood out as a prominent newspaper columnist known for his wit, political insight, and connection with diverse human stories. He excelled during a time filled with talented writers. Former media chronicler Robert Feder called Simon a “Chicago original,” particularly highlighting that in an era dominated by star columnists, Simon’s work shone brightly. Despite facing tough health issues in later years, Simon remained optimistic and curious about life. He passed away at 78 in MedStar Washington Hospital Center, with pneumonia noted as the cause of death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Marcia Kramer.

Simon and Kramer crossed paths at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Born on March 29, 1948, in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, Simon’s background included time at Bradwell Elementary School and South Shore High School. He completed his English degree in 1970 and had key editorial roles at the university paper, the Daily Illini. Here too was where his future wife was also engaged as part of the staff.

Simon started with a brief role at the City News Bureau in Chicago before his first reporting job at the News-Sun in Waukegan. He caught the attention of editor Jim Hoge and joined the Chicago Sun-Times, with a connection laid by Roger Ebert, then a movie critic for the Sun-Times. Transitioning from investigative reporter, Simon became a columnist in 1975. His columns were varied, covering notable trials like John Wayne Gacy’s and stories overseas in South Africa. He wrote on figures such as Ted Kennedy and Phil Donahue, as well as covering societal issues like racism and politics. He balanced this seriousness with humor, often capturing the quirks of modern life with clever observations.

His first book, “Simon Says: The Best of Roger Simon,” came out in 1986, laying the groundwork for later works on presidential campaigns like “Road Show” and “Show Time.” Awards adorned Simon’s career, marking him as the first to twice win the prestigious American Society of Newspaper Editors’ writing award. His accolades spanned numerous National Headliner Awards, the American Bar Association Silver Gavel, and recognition from the National Association of Black Journalists.

Roger Simon and Marcia Kramer married in 1977. Their life in Chicago included vibrant gatherings at their condominium. Travel was dear to Simon, with Las Vegas standing out in memory. Moving away when Rupert Murdoch took over the Sun-Times in 1984, Simon eventually left Chicago for the Baltimore Sun, then worked at U.S. News & World Report, and further on as White House correspondent for the Tribune. His roles later included chief political correspondent for Bloomberg News and a founding column role at Politico.

In 2009, Simon faced a harrowing health ordeal with an initial misdiagnosis of the flu, revealing itself as septicemia. This led to an induced coma and major surgery resulting in leg amputations. Through determination and support from Kramer, Simon returned, even conducting a pivotal post-recovery interview with President Obama.

Friends and colleagues in journalism admired Simon’s resilience and craft. His enduring humor and perseverance brought light and strength to even those who faced him. Roger Simon was celebrated for his unique column voice, marked by the balance of authority and accessibility. Upon retiring in 2017, he warmly conveyed the joy he found in his work.

Simon leaves behind his wife, Marcia Kramer, and sister Lynne Copp, having been preceded in death by his brother, Barry. Plans for a private service in Chicago and a celebration in Washington, D.C., were shared by his loved ones.