SOUTHERN SHORES — James Robert Simms, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, departed this life to meet his Lord and Savior on October 23, 2024, at his home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Born in Greenbrier County, West Virginia on February 28, 1952, Jim came from humble beginnings but loved his small town. He worked hard, was a multi-sport athlete, and following high school attended Marshall University before enlisting in the Air Force and proudly serving his country in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he decided to pursue a career in the trades by attending The Newport News Apprentice School in Virginia where he was a member of the golf team and a medalist. He graduated in 1979.
Jim met his wife Kathy at a hockey game at the Hampton Coliseum. They were married in 1982 and decided to move to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where Jim worked for L3 Nelson. Jim and Kathy gave birth to their only son in October of 1984. In 1989, he made the decision to move back to the Hampton Roads area to support his family and return to work at the Newport News Shipbuilding. He built a home in Carrollton, Virginia and worked his way up to a management position as a Cost Engineer with NNS.
Jim was a cherished father and husband. He coached little-league, served as a Cub Scout leader, and was always present in the lives of his family. Jim’s favorite hobbies were wood-working and golf. Upon retirement, he continued his passion for golf by working at the Cypress Creek Golf Club in Smithfield. Later in life, after his son took over management of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, he volunteered his time for the non-profit organization and traveled across the country to USCAA National Championships. In 2016, he was honored by their Board of Directors with a special recognition award. Jim was loved by all the athletic directors and coaches across the association.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother Helen Straub, stepfather “Shorty” Stoutamyer, and Uncle and best friend Thomas Blofeld. He is survived by his loving wife Kathy Simms, son Matthew Simms, daughter-in-law Kaley Simms, sisters Kaye Holcomb and Laura Rhodes, grandchildren Scarlett Simms and Presley Thomas.
Jim’s funeral service will be held in his home state of West Virginia, but the family will have a celebration of life in their hometown of Smithfield at a date and time to be announced on Facebook. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tunnel for Towers (t2t.org), an organization that supports American Veterans. Condolences to the family are welcome via the online register book at www.gallopfuneralservices.com .
