Hunter James Sims

Bright stars are often snubbed out far too soon. However, that does not mean that they did not blaze brilliantly. Hunter James Sims was born on May 3, 1987. He was the apple of his mother’s eye. He was the son his father always cherished. He was the little brother that his sister always wanted to protect. He was the father that his daughter adored. He was so loved.

Hunter was the kind of man other men envy, for his compassion, strength of character, and friendship. He could not only see the light in the dark, but he could be that light for others. His mother and sister often loving teasingly called him their Pollyanna, because he would always try to find the good even in the bad. He believed everyone deserved to find their little slice of happiness. He was always there to remind the people he cared for that life could be beautiful.

His laugh and smile were contagious. He loved making people laugh often at their own expense, but it was always in good fun. He loved football with a passion, whether playing or rooting for his favorite team. He loved working for himself, and really prided himself in his ability to create and explore new projects. He was determined, proud, stubborn, and strong.

The truth is his life was snubbed out by another’s abhorrent cruelty. This was the exact opposite of everything he was. But we must remember that’s just the end, the punctuation at the end of a sentence. It’s not the sentence itself. While we must fight for this sort of tragedy to never befall another person, this one moment cannot and will not define his life.

How we are remembered by those we leave behind, is the measure of a person. And knowing all the people that adored and loved him, is the ultimate example of who he was and how he loved. May you remember his laugh, his smile, and above all else his love.

“Your heart is free. Have the courage to follow it.”