James Simms' Obituary
James Simms, 77, of Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Roswell, Georgia. He was born on November 3, 1945, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Howard High School class of 1963. He attended Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. James was a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired from the United States Postal Service. God and his family were very important to James. Throughout his life, he served in many capacities within the church, including as trustee, financial secretary, Sunday school teacher, and as deacon at Hawkinsville Missionary Baptist Church. James will be remembered for his gregarious spirit and generous nature. He provided advice and counsel to his family members, friends, and anyone else who would listen. Many will remember his boisterous voice, big smile, lengthy historical accounts, and off-key singing (especially to help him stay awake to work the third shift). In his prime, James enjoyed bowling, playing cards, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Ned Jacob Sims, Sr. and Cora Lee Johnson Sims; siblings, Ida Benford, Mozella Johnson, Evelyn Ford, Gibson Sims, Lillie Mae Black, Mae Francis Blunt, Waymon Sims, Ned Sims, Jr., and Fredine Jordan; and his former wife, Barbara Simms. Left behind to cherish James’s memory are his children, Crystal (Roy) Simms-Hines, Christopher Simms Sr., and Carlos Jones; grandchildren, Christopher Carroll III, Christopher Simms, Jr., Madison Hines, and Sairah Simms; sisters, Rosa Lee Lacy, Reverend Julia A. Jennings, Ernestine Terrell, and Shirley Ann Carter; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be on Friday, March 10, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Dr. Bobby Hampton, Sr. as the eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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