A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF UNION NATIVE JAMES HAROLD SIMS, SR., AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Union native James Harold Sims, Sr., at the venerable age of 78 on April 29, 2024; and

Whereas, Mr. Sims graduated from Sims High School in 1964. He spent most of his working years at Ace Sweater Mills, where he was a supervisor and a knitting machine mechanic. After leaving Ace Sweater Mills, he worked as an independent contractor, setting up and repairing textile machinery in Texas, Georgia, and New York. He also worked at Executive Knits doing machine repair and setup. He finished his working career at Walmart, where he was a customer favorite; and

Whereas, affectionately known as "Coach" and "Sut," James Harold Sims enjoyed talking to everybody and never met a stranger. He enjoyed watching all sports but had a passion for baseball. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and refurbishing lawnmowers; and

Whereas, active in his church and community, he was a faithful member of Mount Rowell Baptist Church, where he served over the years as a Sunday School teacher, trustee, and deacon. He served in the latter role as chairman of the Mount Rowell Board of Deacons for more than seven years. In addition, he was a member of Crystal Lodge #161, where he served as the worshipful master. Although Mr. Sims did not play the game of baseball himself, when asked by Mr. Brawley Gore to coach the Lockhart Trojans, he bought books and began to study the game. He went on to lead the team to five championship wins; and

Whereas, preceded in death by a son, James Harold Sims, Jr., Mr. Sims was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and leaves to cherish his memory his wife of fifty-eight years, Patricia Wilson Sims; one daughter, Alicia Sims of Columbia; one son, James E. Sims (Maticia) of Durham, North Carolina; two grandsons, Myles E. Sims and Justin M. Sims, both of Durham, whom he adored; two brothers, Charles Sims (Wilma) of Union and Arthur L. Sims (Sherdella) of Hercules, California; one sister, Hazel M. Rodgers of Jonesville; and a host of other family members and friends. He will be missed; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House are grateful for the life and legacy of James Harold Sims, Sr., and for the example of service and excellence he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Union native James Harold Sims, Sr., and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Alicia Sims for the family.

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