James “Jim” Earl Sims, Sr., 92, of The Villages, FL, passed away at his home on May 15, 2018. Jim was a soldier for the world, a soldier in the Army of God and a soldier for his beloved wife Dolly (and her hero).
Jim was born in Winter Haven, Florida on Jan. 18, 1926 to George and Winniford (O’Quinn) Sims. He attended local schools and received his Master’s degree from Central Missouri State University. Jim retired from the United States Air Force after 26 years of service as a Senior Master Sergeant. He was a veteran of WWII, the Korean Conflict and served during the Vietnam era. Jim spent two tours in Missouri, one each in Korea, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and two tours in Alaska. His primary Air Force specialty was as a supply troubleshooter. In Texas, he was a member of the Inspector General Team serving a five state area of the southern US. During his first Alaska tour, he wrote the official definitive history of the Alaskan Air Command.
During his first Air Force tour in Missouri, Jim wed his wife Ruth, mother of Jim Jr. On his retirement from the Air Force, he completed his Master’s degree and settled in his home state of Florida. He became a caregiver to his uncle Henry and settled in Dade City. Following Ruth’s passing in 1982, he traveled extensively throughout the US, meeting his soon-to-be wife Rose during one of those trips. Rose was a minister, writer, evangelical speaker and has a Master’s of Education degree. Rose had two children; Gloria D’Alessandro and Rob. Their combined skills had them traveling throughout the US and abroad. They successfully revitalized the Trilby United Methodist Church in Florida. They moved to The Villages and enjoyed a retirement lifestyle until Rose’s death in 2011. Jim was then blessed to meet his current wife Dolly, who proved to be his friend, confidant and support until his death.
Jim is survived by his wife Donalda “Dolly” Cox of The Villages, his son James Sims, Jr., his sister Mary Ann Carr, grandson Randall, great-grandchildren Dawson and Rachel and nephew Paul Carr.
Burial with full military honors will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Thursday May 31, at 2:00 PM. Pastor Melvin Whittington will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to: Melissa’s Place 711 Cleveland Ave, Wildwood, FL 34785 or Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162.
