James Hubert and Mary Ann Sims

James Hubert Sims, age 94, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025. He was born in Bulloch County, Georgia to the late Harold and Hazel Sims. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his two younger brothers, Harold “Dale” Sims and Gerald McDonald.

He served his country faithfully in the United State Navy from 1948 until 1976. He rose through the enlisted ranks into the officer ranks to retire as a LCDR. He was an avid golfer and loved being out on the course. He made his first Hole-In-One in March of 1993. He was an active member of the Kempsville Lion’s Club for many years. He supported the community in numerous other ways such as Delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly and supporting many worthwhile causes including the VB Volunteer Rescue Squad, The Food Bank of Hampton Roads, and the Virginia Beach SPCA, to name a few. He loved to read, especially mysteries and thrillers. His love of football came from an active participation in his High School Football Team, which he gave up when he decided to leave school and enlist in the Navy. He was an experienced “fixer” of all things mechanical. He could often be found at his workbench in his garage tinkering with various items that might need to be repaired, rebuilt, or refreshed.

Next to his love for his family, his love of the water and camping came a close second. When the weather was good, he and Mary could be found on their boat “Pretty Soon” or heading to the ocean to surf fish. They would often head to Lake Gaston with their trailer one day and then come back home the next. They would do a turnaround trip and head right back to the Lake with “Pretty Soon” in tow. He and Mary both waterskied into their late 70s. They did have to take it a little easier, so they gave up their slalom skis for their tandem skis.

He was survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Mary Ann Sims, for a mere 4 days before she joined him in eternity. Left to cherish his memory is his loving daughter, Diana Ruth Snyder and her husband Scott; son, Michael James Sims and his wife Shirley; grandson, Michael Sims, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann Sims, age 89, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025. She was born in Blackville, South Carolina to the late BJ and Mabel Harrison. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her beloved husband of 72 years, James Hubert Sims, by a mere 4 days before she joined him eternally. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her sister, Eva Mae Dennis and her brother, Clifford Weeks.

She retired from the City of Virginia Beach Public Schools as a bus driver. She was a woman of many talents. There didn’t seem to be anything Crafty that she couldn’t do if she set her mind to it. While living in Brunswick, GA, she was part of the county gardening club, where she won numerous ribbons, for her beautiful floral arranging skills. Most of her designs would be made from things she found in nature, rather than in a store. While in Georgia, Mary and Jim belonged to a camping club, The Glynn County Roadrunners. She would handmake little giveaways for their Campvention each year. They were always favorites among the other campers. She competed in many craft fairs and shows, where she also won creativity ribbons for her original designs. She always said she had a brown thumb when it came to plants. Evidently, in her later years, her thumb changed to green as she could grow just about anything in her yard and enclosed porch. She was a very accomplished seamstress. Most of the clothes her children wore when they were young, she handmade, quite professionally. She even sewed beautiful clothes for her daughter’s Barbie dolls, much to the envy of many of the other girls in the neighborhood. One of her most difficult crafts was reverse painting on glass. She mastered the process and sold many original pieces.

She loved to travel with her family. One of her favorite things to do when she traveled was to visit local thrift shops or community sales. She had a knack for finding the most unique items that were specific to those areas. These became her souvenirs from the trips. She displayed them beautifully throughout the house and loved to tell people how, when and where she had acquired each piece. After she and Jim retired, she sought out community classes to learn new things. She learned synchronized swimming and basket weaving among many other enriching activities.

Next to her love for her family, her love of the water and camping came a close second. When the weather was good, Mary and Jim could be found on their boat “Pretty Soon” or heading to the ocean to surf fish. They would often head to Lake Gaston with their trailer one day and then come back home the next. They would do a turnaround trip and head right back to the Lake with “Pretty Soon” in tow. She and Jim both waterskied into their late 70s. They did have to take it a little easier, so they gave up their slalom skis for their tandem skis.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving daughter, Diana Ruth Snyder and her husband Scott; son, Michael James Sims and his wife Shirley; grandson, Michael Sims, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The VB Volunteer Rescue Squad, The Food Bank of Hampton Roads, or The Virginia Beach SPCA.

Friends and family are invited to pay respects to both Jim and Mary Sims at 12 noon, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23502. A service to celebrate their lives will begin promptly at 1pm. A gathering of reception and fellowship will follow ceremonies. Please visit www.woodlawnnorfolk.com to offer condolences.