James Sims Jr.

James Vernon Sims, Jr., 75, of Sterling Heights, MI, passed away on January 23, 2025 after battling many medical issues. James (Jim) was the eldest of two children of the late James Vernon Sims 1 and Frankie Sims (Davis). Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Sims. They have enjoyed a marriage of 25 years. He is survived by his sister Janis Sims and nephew Aaron Gomez (married to Sadie); great niece Jade Gomez; great niece Mariah Orillosa (married to Ivan); and great-great niece Sage Orillosa. He is survived by step children John Dyrda, Jim Dyrda (married to Wendy), Amy Bauman (nee Dyrda, married to Jason); 5 grandchildren Kristine D'Herde, Samantha Blay (nee Dyrda; married to Jeff), Bryce Bauman, Andrew Dyrda, Graham Bauman; and 3 great grandchildren Colton Marino, Kamden Marino, and Owen Blay; and dear friend, David Magreta. Jim was born on September 26, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri. Early in life, he was a Boy Scout and graduated from Oak Park High School. Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force as a sergeant from 1969 to 1973. He was also an active veteran. On Veteran's Day or Memorial Day, you could often find in him a parade or cemetery honoring veterans. He was also a volunteer in the Macomb County Sheriff's Marine Division. Jim worked for many years in heating and cooling systems maintenance. He was a member of the UAW and retired from Chrysler. Jim was also an active member of the NRA. Jim enjoyed fishing and traveling with Linda. Jim was an avid Star Wars fan. He loved to collect firetrucks as an homage to his father, a firefighter. Jim was a curious person, always looking for information. You could regularly find him watching the Discovery or History channel. Most importantly, Jim was a kind and gentle man who treated others with generosity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in honor of James' service to the Air Force. Visitation will take place at Mandziuk & Sons Funeral Home, 3801 18 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48314, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 10 a.m. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m.

James Sims Jr.

September 26, 1949 - January 23, 2025