James Sanders Sims

James Sanders Sims, age 76, died at the Kobacker House on Thursday, March 24, 2016 surrounded by close friends and family. He was preceded in death by father Theodore A. Sims, mother Mary Ethel (McGill) Sims, sister Ethel Gilbert, and brothers Edgar, Donald and Arnold. Jim was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 9, 1939. Upon graduating from high school, he moved to Marietta, Ohio with his parents, where he earned his B.A. in English Education from Marietta College. He taught English for several years at a local high school before moving to Columbus to begin his 37-year career with Columbus City Schools. After earning his M.A. at The Ohio State University, Jim spent most of his career as a central office administrator, first as Supervisor of English Language Arts, then as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and finishing as Director of Staff Development and Multicultural Education. He had many interests in life including reading, travelling (especially to New York City to attend Broadway productions), cooking at home, dining out, hosting parties for groups of friends and family, and seeing the latest releases in local movie theaters. From the mid 1970’s through the early 1990’s, Jim’s love of film led him to involvement with the Columbus Film Council, serving as Chair of the “Education” category, and later as Chair of “Arts and Culture.” Jim is survived by his partner and spouse of 40 years, Dean Fowls, sons Andy (Alexa) Sims and Steven (Robin) Sims, grandchildren Jennifer, Kyle and Jason, very special niece, Susie Coggins, close friends Fran Frantz and Linda Lohr, who spent many hours helping to care for him during his lengthy period of illness, his two much loved dogs, Ziggy and Bowie, and numerous good friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Rd., on Saturday, April 16. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by the celebration at 4:00 p.m. Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to OhioHealth Hospice, 800 McConnell Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43214.