James R. “Pepaw” Sims, 77, passed away suddenly following a car accident, Friday, August 11, 2016. Visitation will be Saturday, August 13, 2016 from 5 until 8 pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Richland, MS and again Sunday, August 14, 2016 from 2 pm until the 3 pm Memorial Service at First Baptist Church, Florence, MS.
James was born on November 18, 1938 in Holmes County, MS to JB and Minnie Lee Hopson Sims. James was a longtime employee of Calloway’ s in Jackson and finished his career at BWI in Jackson.
James is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Mary Jane Upshaw Sims of Florence; his children, Randy Sims and wife, Heather of Florence, and Janice Westereng and husband, Oscar of Abita Springs, LA; his sister, Bettye Sue Sims of Mt. Olive, MS; and his grandchildren, Jason, McKenzie, Maria and Meghan.
Pepaw was a constant fixture at sporting events, cheering on all of his “children”; greeting people at First Baptist Church, Florence or helping people at the Church Food Pantry. He considered everyone he met a close friend and always greeted you with a smile on his face and candy in his pocket. Pepaw was a devoted Grandfather to his four grandchildren whom were the Apple of his Eye. He will truly be missed. 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Florence Food Pantry, Florence, MS 39073.