James D. Sims

James D. Sims, 79, died November 3, 2015 in Pompano Beach, Florida. Born in Dover Hill, Indiana, near Shoals, Mr. Sims was the son of Curtis and Ella (Ritchey) Sims, both have preceded him in death.Jim left Shoals after high school and moved to his sister's home, Norma Joanne, in Auburn, IN. It was in Auburn that Jim became involved in local civic and political service activities. Mr. Sims began his foray into leadership as a member of the Administrative Board of the Auburn Methodist Church (1959-1973). As a Deputy Sheriff and then as Sheriff (1966-1973), Jim was involved in numerous civic activities and organizations. He was a member of the Auburn Elk's, Rotary Club, and became a 32 degree Mason and eventually a Mizpah Shriner. Jim was an executive board member of the Boy Scouts of America (Anthony Wayne Council), chairman of the DeKalb County BSA, and Chairman of the DeKalb County United Way Fund Drive. Mr. Sims served as city chairman of the Republican Party and was a delegate to the Indiana Republican Convention from 1968-1973. While Sheriff, Mr. Sims also became the President of the Indiana Sheriff's Association and Chairman of the Sheriff's for Bowen campaign.In 1973, Jim was appointed Chairman of the Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission. In 1976, Mr. Sims received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Bowen. Mr. Sims was a member of the Executive Board of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators and in 1981 he was elected President of the NCSLA and served in state politics until his retirement from public service. Mr. Sims' next venture was real estate and property management. Forming Jade Properties, LLC, Jim spent the next 25 years 'flipping' properties in the Indianapolis area. During this time he and his wife, Dee, enjoyed travelling around the United States and 'snow birding' in Florida. Jim and Dee remained active in the Indiana State Sheriff's Association and numerous community activities in and around Madison and Marion counties. Jim was married to Nancy (Cox) from Auburn from 1957 to 1973. He married Georgianna (Dee) Sims in 1988 until her death in 2005. He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, Keith, William (Billy), and Hiram; and 1 sister, Norma Joanne (Walter). He is survived by a brother Jerry (Suzanne) and sisters Roma (Sims), Carolyn (Stein), and Wanda (Fischer). Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.Jim has three surviving children; Stephanie (Paul) Caldwell and Randal Sims, of Indianapolis, and Scott (Shawnnah) Sims of Greenville, South Carolina. Five grandchildren (November, August, Emily, Gabriel, and Johnathan) and two great-grandchildren (Casey and Remy) also survive. Services are planned for Saturday, December 5, at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, Middletown, IN. Visitation is from 10:00-11:00 AM and services held immediately after at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorials to be made to either Shriner's Hospital for Children or the Wounded Warriors a?? Project.Online guestbook: www.ballardandsons.comThe Ballard family is honored to celebrate the life of James Sims with family and friends. The ashes of Jim will have been placed at Miller Cemetery before the services. SERVICES visitation and service Saturday, December 05, 201510:00 AM - 11:00 AM Ballard and Sons Funeral Home 118 South 5th Middletown, Indiana 47356 The ashes of Jim will have been placed at Miller Cemetery before the services.