James B Sims

James "Jim" B. Sims, of Aztec, passed peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, with his family at his side at the age of 82. He was born Oct. 19, 1930 in Maxwell to Marvin Thomas and Jewell C. Sims.
He served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was also the fire chief in Tucumcari, for 14 years.
Jim enjoyed working with his hands and he was always looking for a new project or someone else to help.
Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Durward Sims.
He is survived by his wife, Dolly Sue Sims; son, James Barton (Jill) Sims; daughters, Brenda Gaye (Steve) Slaughter and Debra Sue (Kenny) Sutherlin; brothers, Delmar Sims, Alton Sims and Cecil (Dixie) Sims; sister, Shirley (Bob) Arnett; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Jim gave his life to his family, his faith and he never met a stranger. He was example of courage, determination and good spirit.
He was an inspiration to all that knew him especially for the last few years, as he battled cancer.
He will continue to inspire us all.
A funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Bethel Baptist Church, 201 Heiland Road in Aztec, with Pastor Bob Schlauger officiating.
Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Gardens in Durango, Colo.
Pallbearers are Travis Sutherlin, Jerry Sutherlin, Kevin Sutherlin, Shaun Slaughter, Stephen Slaughter and Lane Sims.
Honorary pallbearers are Bart Sims, Kenny Sutherlin, Steve Slaughter, Chris Blocker and Clinton Womack.