James Arvin Sims

James Arvin Sims passed away peacefully on April 30, 2023, at the age of 86 years old at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Horatio, Arkansas on September 16, 1936, to Tommy James Sims and Nellie Stringfellow. James graduated in 1954 from Horatio High School in Horatio, Arkansas.

James served his Country from 1954 to 1956 with the United States Navy, which included fighting in the Korean War. Once his service was completed with the US Navy, he married the love of his life, Donna Sims. They were married on June 20, 1959, and would have celebrated 64 years of marriage on June 20, 2023.

James was a hardworking farmer and had hands of leather. He moved his family to Houston in June of 1962 where he worked for Tool Mart during the week but spent every bit of his free time with his family at the beach. James and Donna spent the time on the weekends at Crystal Beach, Texas, and when he retired, they moved to Crystal Beach permanently.

James is survived by his wife, Donna Raye Sims and their two children Debbie McGee and husband Joe McGee, Tommy Sims and wife Jennifer Sims. He is also survived by his four grandchildren Jeff Burleson and wife Susie Burleson, Lauren Harding and husband Justin Harding, Colby Sims, and Makenzie Sims. James had three beautiful great- grandchildren, Gabrielle Burleson, Mason Burleson, and Tinley Harding. He also leaves behind multiple nieces, nephews, a sister-in-law, Myrtle Sims, as well as many family and friends. James was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Nellie DeShazo along with eight brothers and sisters, Lewis Sage, Melba Long, Mazie LeLeux, Maxine Gray, Mitchell DeShazo, Mona Prior, Ray Sims, and Wanda Kesner.

Serving as Pallbearers: Jeff Burleson, Colby Sims, Justin Harding, Kevin Sims, Jace Sims, Ronnie Pasket

A viewing for James will be held on May 8,2023 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at American Heritage Funeral Home at 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77038. The Funeral service will be at the same location on May 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with the burial immediately following at the Houston National Cemetery. A Reception for family and friends will immediately follow the burial at the home of his son, Tommy Sims.

Fond Memories and expressions of sympathy for the James Sims Family may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com.