James Farr Sims Jr.

James Farr Sims, Jr. died peacefully on December 10, 2025. Born on July 12, 1929, in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late James Farr Sims and Reba Hiers Sims. He was married to Mary Anne Burriss Sims for 62 years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Anne; his sister, Reba Sims Hull; nieces, Reba Hull Campbell (David), Elizabeth Hull Foster, Katherine Burriss Slagel (David) and Patricia Burriss Buckner (Donald); and nephew, Christopher Samuel Farry (Tara). Also surviving are sister-in-law, Ellen Burriss Swallow (Carl), brother-in-law, Thomas R. Burriss (Winnie), and numerous great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law Rodney R. Hull and Luther J. Burriss, Jr.

Jim and Anne loved traveling the world, and their adventures took them to more than 40 countries. Jim was known as an accomplished professional in the engineering field who also used his talents to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Trinity Cathedral churchyard. For his many contributions, Jim received the Dean’s Medal in recognition of his lifetime of service to the church.

Jim was educated in the City of Columbia public schools and graduated from Dreher High School in 1946. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Order of the DeMolay and played high school baseball.

He was a 1951 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Civil Engineering. At the University, Jim was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, the German Club, Beaux Arts, Canterbury Club and Student Council representing the School of Engineering.

Jim supported Boy Scouts his entire adult life and strived to live by the Boy Scout Code of Honor. As a member of Boy Scout Troop 14, Jim was an Eagle Scout with Palms, a member of the Order of the Arrow, and a counselor at Camp Barstow.

Jim served his state and country as a member of the South Carolina National Guard, United States Army, and Army Reserve before, during and after the Korean Conflict.

Upon college graduation, Jim worked at the Savannah River Plant with E.I. DuPont as a Construction Engineer. For 58 years, he practiced civil engineering as a registered professional engineer and retired as President of JFSPE, Inc. Consulting Engineers. Jim was highly regarded in his field and his professional memberships included American Society of Engineers, South Carolina Society of Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, and service as President of the Columbia chapter of NSPE.

Jim was lifelong active member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. He was a sixth-generation descendant of Robert Stark, one of the church founders. Jim served on the Vestry as Junior and Senior Warden, as a member of Trinity Foundation and was a Lay Eucharistic Minister. For more than 40 years, he served as the churchyard administrator managing the historic graveyard. Thanks to Jim’s passion for preserving Trinity’s history and legacy, the churchyard stands as a lasting tribute to his stewardship.

Jim’s social memberships included Forest Lake Club, Tarantella Club, Caprician Club, and the Quadrille.

Jim’s funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 16, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral with a reception following in Satterlee Hall. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Foundation, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC, 29201 or the charity of one’s choice.