Big Rapids – James R. Sims, 71, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family.
 
He was born August 14, 1937, in Stalwart, Michigan, the son of Frank and Helen (Crawford) Sims, and graduated from Sault High School in 1955.  For four years, Jim served with the U.S. Navy, and served aboard the USS Canberra.
 
Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned to Michigan, and moved to the Big Rapids area in 1964.  For over 20 years, he worked as a supervisor at Wolverine World Wide.  More recently, he worked at Harmon Glass Co. in Grand Rapids until retiring. 
 
Jim was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, and enjoyed spending time at his summer residence in Cedarville.
 
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dorothy (Hamel); 5 children, Dan (Denise) Sims of Paris, Linda (Joel) Littke of Chippewa Lake, Laurie Hamel of Big Rapids, Dave (Carla) Sims of Big Rapids, and Steve (Kirstin) Sims of Big Rapids; 14 grandchildren, Jeremy, Jason, Jamie, Katie, Sarah, Mary, Jessica, Tim, Andrea, Nathan, Michael, Justin, Keegan, and Ally; 2 brothers, Roger (Dolores) Sims of Alpena, and Frank (Lisa) Sims of Pickford; 3 sisters, Carole (Dave) Hooper of De Tour, Liz (Frank) Soderlund of Cedarville, and Sherry Preston of Cedarville; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister Frances, son-in-law Stuart Hamel, brother-in-law Don Preston, and nephew Rory Hooper.
 
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2009, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. John Bookshaw officiating. Jim’s family will greet friends after 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for St. Peter’s Lutheran School Scholarship Fund or Heartland Home Hospice, with envelopes available at the Mohnke Funeral Home.  To share a memory or express condolences may be offered at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.   

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