James H. "Jim" Sims

James (Jim) H. Sims, 90, of Nampa, passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2023.  

Born in Hanna, Oklahoma to Andrew and Lora (Gray) Sims on May 29, 1933, Jim joined his older sister, Leala.  The family continued growing with the birth of Lendell, Colburn, Anthony and Bonnie.  In 1941, the family packed all of their worldly belongings into the car and moved to Idaho.  Jim attended school first in Stibnite, and later graduated from Cascade High School.   

Jim served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958. He was stationed in the Pacific and spent part of his time in the Panama Canal, where it is “hotter than hell”.  

In 1964, Jim married Alene Ledford. Together they raised five children; Candy, Joy, James, Patricia and Thomas. On the weekends, you could find the family in or near Cascade, Idaho. Family time in the warmer months was spent outdoors camping, boating, hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles. Winter activities included ice skating and snow mobile riding.  

The family continued growing with the birth of grandchildren Lee, Jennifer, Heather, Joshua, Kristina, Victoria, Andrew, Danielle, Alexa, Drew, and Austin. The last eighteen years brought more delight with the births of eight great-grandchildren, Shadan, Justin, Adrianne, Evelynn, Graham, Isabella, Ryan, and Elan.  Each grandchild and great grandchild are convinced that they are his favorite.  

Whether it was his family of origin, extended family, or four generations of offspring, spending time with family was his source of happiness. His 90th birthday celebration included a water balloon fight with him throwing the first balloon and ending with almost everyone soaked.  

Jim’s HVAC career spanned four decades, starting at Foster Heating and then J&D Sheet Metal until 1981. He retired in 1997 after 16 years with Gem Fuel/Gem Stop Company. 

His retirement years were spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each summer, Jim and Alene traveled to California to visit their extended family. They especially enjoyed visiting their nieces and nephews.  

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Lora; sisters, Leala and Bonnie; brothers, Lendell and Colburn; daughter, Candy and grandson, Drew. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Alene. His children, Joy (Craig) Koelling, Jim (Kristy) Sims, Patricia Sims (Matt Brnusak), Tom Sims, son-in-law Terry Borchardt, 10 of his grandchildren, his 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Boise VA Hospital, Keystone Hospice and the Nampa Fire Department Station 5 for their help and kindness during these last few months. 

Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave South, Nampa ID 83651.  

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