Obituary of James Lee Sims

Mr. James Lee Sims, age, 81, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020, at his residence in Haywood County. Private Family Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at Brownsville Memorial Gardens with Bro. Bob Connerley officiating. James Sims was born on June 5, 1939, to the late William Howard Sims and Lucy Florence Hopper Sims. He worked as a railroad engineer with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. He was a faithful member of the Brownsville Baptist Church. He loved life and loved his family deeply. He was always helping with any projects his girls might have for him at their homes. He enjoyed taking family trips to the beach. He helped create a lifetime of beautiful memories with his family and friends that usually involved lots of fun and laughter. He also enjoyed meeting and keeping up with his North Side High School classmates and his railroad buddies at Perkins Restaurant in Jackson. He was a man who had never met a stranger and will always be remembered for the way that he could light up any room the instant he walked in. He was a role model for so many, leading by example what it meant to be a godly husband, father and friend. His love for others was remarkable and his quick wit and warmth could not be matched. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Castellaw Sims; three daughters, Lou Ann Sims of Greenbrier, TN, Lisa Gail Stacy of Brownsville, TN, and Lynda Lee Tuesca (Brian) of Joelton, TN; one brother, William Howard Sims, Jr. of Humboldt, TN. He leaves a legacy of love with his four grandchildren, James, Bryant, Kasey and Ben and his two great-grandchildren, Rhett and Whitt. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Howard and Lucy Hopper Sims; one brother, Gary Vernon Sims, and one sister, Patricia Coleman. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers for the service. Memorials are requested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.