Jimmy Howell Sims III, 27, of Pinedale, passed away June 25, 2017, at the Sublette Center in Pinedale, Wyo.
Jimmy was born on May 14, 1990, in Laramie, Wyo., to Jim and Kristy Sims. He joined brothers Keith, Cody and his twin Dustin Sims. He lived his life in Sublette County, moving between Big Piney and Pinedale. Jimmy spent his elementary and early middle school years going to school, playing baseball, football and basketball. He loved fishing, rock hunting, riding bikes and rollerblading. Jimmy had so many friends and he was the one everyone wanted to have on their team.
When Jimmy turned 14, it became apparent that something was wrong neurologically. He was tested and it was determined that he had a genetic form of Ataxia. It affected his balance, speech and coordination. As his Ataxia progressed, many things became harder, like writing and walking. Even with these problems, Jimmy took it in stride and smiled all the while. Jimmy graduated from Big Piney High School in 2009 and was able to walk to the podium to accept his diploma while receiving a standing ovation from his fellow classmates. This would be one of the last times that Jimmy was able to walk unassisted.
After graduation, Jimmy became a valued employee at the family store Office Outlet. He would sit up front and visit with customers and friends. He loved Facebook and was thrilled with each new friend he made there. Jimmy would keep track of the number of comments and likes his posts would get. He became an authority on the NFL and especially his beloved Green Bay Packers. He had a football pool at the store and would invite everyone to join.
In 2014, Jimmy moved to an assisted living center and had his own bachelor pad decorated with Green Bay Packer paraphernalia. He became the center of all social activities, going to bingo, Bible studies, cocktail parties, ice cream socials, Saturday night singing, delivering the residents’ mail and gossiping with the men at the nurses’ station. His love of football continued there and he had a friendly rivalry about the different teams and players. He loved and was loved by the staff, residents, volunteers and visitors of the Sublette Center.
Jimmy had a highly developed sense of right and wrong. He watched the NFL channel constantly and if he found out that one of his heroes was abusive to animals or people, he no longer liked them and there was nothing they could ever do to redeem themselves.
We had a cousin who stated that Jimmy was dealt a tough hand, but he played it well. As we look back through our memories and the stories that his friends have shared, the common consensus about Jimmy was his acceptance of what was and his refusal to be held back by his disabilities. He lived his life with joy and happiness.
Jimmy was the center of our family – the heart of us all. Jimmy was the gentlest of souls. He was the best uncle any of his 10 nieces and nephews could have ever asked for.
Our lives are forever changed by his charismatic, positive, loving attitude. He is loved by so many, and we are all blessed for having known and loved him.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his father Jim Sims, grandparents Al Gilchrist and Joe and Alice Bolinger, and Uncle Alan Sims.
He is survived by his mother Kristy Sims of Pinedale, Wyo., brothers Keith (Amber) Sims of Andrews, Texas, Cody (Kaylynne) Sims of Pinedale, Wyo., and Dustin (Kortney) Sims of Big Piney, Wyo., Grandmother Toni David of Big Piney, Wyo., uncles Clint (Dawn Ballou) Gilchrist of Pinedale, Wyo., and Abner (Danielle) Sims, and aunts Jackie (Richard) Sites and Joanne (William) Stallings, nephews Gage and Wyatt Hyde, and Cody, Colby and Jackson Sims, and nieces Nevaeh, Peyton, Avalee, Paisley and Evelyn Sims.
His celebration of life will be held at St. Andrew’s Church in Pinedale, Wyo., at noon on July 1, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sublette Center, P.O. Box 788, Pinedale, WY 82941.
