Paul Andrew Sims

Paul was born February 12, 1927 on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, to Walter and Louise Sims of Rhode Island. He showed an early interest in music, starting piano lessons at age 8, which became a lifelong passion that endured until the day he died. His children noted that his music kept his mind active, and was the most likely reason he retained his full faculties and cognitive function even to the end.

Paul was given the nickname P.A. while attending Tuft’s University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. He immediately joined the military in the wake of World War II. During his 7 years in the Navy, he saw combat during the Korean War, and was able to travel the world onboard the USS Bristol. Sailing was his preferred mode of travel!

Paul met Nona Hartman in 1948 when Paul was a young Naval Officer. After a whirl-wind romantic courtship, they married on June 24, 1950 in Beverly Hills, CA. The first few years of marriage were bustling between duty locations. After two children they decided to leave the Navy and settle down in Norwalk, CT for 22 years, with their seven children. Paul pursued a career in Advertising on Madison Avenue, and was considered one of the original “MadMen.” In 1963 he invented the “Sims Speed Indicator,” which was the only method to accurately measure a sailboat’s speed prior to the invention of GPS. In 1976 Paul and Nona moved to San Diego, CA. Family was always Paul’s most important priority, and he was thrilled when all of his children made the migration to the San Diego area to join them. This year, 2025, marked the 75th wedding anniversary for this good-looking couple!

Paul pursued many passions: Music – he played the piano with the San Diego Windjammers and had his own “Little Big Band” and various trios and quartets. As well, Paul was a Choir Director/Organist at his church for many years. Paul loved sailing his beloved “Lady Galadriel” Schooner, and won several Schooner races in San Diego. He taught Advertising and Marketing at San Diego State University, volunteered reading to elementary school children, and provided weekly plankton samples to the state for analysis to determine the effects of pollution in the ocean and waterways. Paul was a renaissance man, although playing the piano for his wife Nona, his biggest fan, was one of his most satisfying activities!

Paul is survived by their six children: Pam Rose, Claire Sims, Nona Sims Drucker, Paul Sims Jr., Greg Sims, and Jennifer Sims Haller; In-laws David Drucker and Eric Haller; and grandchildren: Corey, Jeff, Danielle, and Matt Rose; Rachel and Paul Drucker; Nona and Katie Haller, and Kai Sims. Paul also has 8 great-grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Nona Hartman Sims in 2021, and by his daughter Deirdre in 2019.

Thank you for your wonderful life, Paul/Dad – for being the best Father and Husband you could be! You were a perfect example to your children; “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything” attitude that defines the gracefulness of your generation.

Services for Paul will be held at 1PM on Monday March 24th at the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, CA.