Jimie “James” Sims was born in Marion County in Columbia, Miss., to the union of the late Wallace and Dorothy Russell Sims on Jan. 8, 1937. He fell asleep in death after a brief illness on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016.

Jimie was a very hard worker. He loved the outdoors, gardening, flowers, fishing and eating out. He was dependable, loved helping people, and was courteous. His marriage to Nita was a 27-year honeymoon. She never had to open a door to the house, car, or a business. He was very patient except when it came to sickness. He was funny and had a good sense of humor. He became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 23, 2007, and enjoyed working in the congregation and sharing with people the good news of God’s Kingdom.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; four sisters, Jealean Lane, Lula May Thompson, Dorothy Harper and Lessie Green; and four brothers, Willie Earl, John “Pal,” Arnell and Wallace “Preacher” Sims Jr.

He is survived by: his beloved wife, Nita Collins Sims; son, DaRi’us Sims; children of previous marriage, Melanie, Annie, Shirley “Sweetie,” Barbara Ann, James Jr., Billy Ray, Charles R., Leon, Bobby Ray, Melissa, Amos and Neal Sims; and a host of relatives including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will be at Cook-Richmond Funeral Home at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20. Brother Carlos Gibson will be officiating.