PALM COAST, FL: Jim was born and raised in Natick, the oldest of 7 children to Joe and Elaine (Scheufele) Sims who died in 2010.
He joined the Marines at 18 and spent time in Vietnam where he was unfortunately wounded and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts. Jim was always proud to be a Marine.
Jim and Jeanne settled in Milford for a number of years before moving to Andover, ME where they bred and showed Morgan Horses. They lived there for many years before heading to Portland, ME where he earned a Masters Degree in Social Work and spent a rewarding career as the State Director of Substance Abuse services DOC. Jim retired to Madison, CT for a few years before leaving all that cold weather and moving to Palm Coast, FL. Jim has been a mentor to many men and was a very spiritual man who loved to share his experience with others and Jim would happily help anyone who needed a hand.
Jim could often be found puttering around the house, truck or yard with his companions Ruby and Gumbo. He always had something new he was working on. He loved the beauty of nature and always had fresh flowers throughout the house. Jim was an animal lover much to the chagrin of Jeanne, who has learned to love them.
He had big plans this summer to see the country on a RV trip with Jeanne. He would say he saw many places around the world but wanted to take advantage of what this country had to show him.
Jim was a BIG text messenger often sending paragraphs at a time. Sometimes he was like a teenager with the phone.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Jeanne (Martin) Sims. He was more in love with her each and every day. He would often say she was the best thing to happen to him. Jim also leaves two sons James Sims and his wife Ann, David Sims and his wife Kim, a daughter Kerrie Sims and a Bonus daughter Kristine Macecsko and her husband Chris. Jim was the proud grandfather to Travis, Kevin, Kayla, Samantha, and Casey, bonus granddaughter Misty.
He leaves behind his father Joe Sims and his wife Barbara. Brothers David Sims and his wife Margie and Michael Sims and his wife Lisa. Sisters Sue Ellen Percy and her husband Peter, Mary Ingleby, Leesa McCance and her husband Phil, John Sims and his wife Katie as well as 9 nieces and 9 nephews. He is pre-deceased by his mother Elaine Sims and grandson Casey Sims.
At the request of his family, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite Veterans Organization or charity.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.