Scotch Plains, New Jersey
1935 - 2017
Nathaniel Sims, affectionately known as "Nat", was called home on May 5, 2017 in Scotch Plains, NJ. He was born on September 23, 1935 in Jersey City to Edward Philip Sims and Maggie Bell Harris Sims. He was predeceased by Elizabeth (Betty) Edenfield, who he was united in holy matrimony to for thirty seven years. He was one of eleven siblings and leaves behind two which include Richard Sims and Barbara Manuel.
Family will gather to receive relatives and friends from 9-11 am on Thursday May 11 2017 at St John's Baptist Church 2387 Morse Avenue Scotch Plains NJ 07076.
A service will be offered at church at 11 am.
Interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery in Linden.
Arrangements are by the Rossi Funeral Home 1937 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains.
This union was blessed with four children, daughter Yvette Easley (Dwayne), Dean Sims (Robin), Daphne Marshall and Dana Kennedy (Danny). They also had a total of eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Janee Easley, Shavaun Sims, Daneen Easley, Patrice Sims, Taylor Marshall, Jordan Sims, Donavan Sims, Danni Kennedy and Kayden Easley-Howard (great grandchild).
Nat's education includes a bachelors degree in business administration from Pace University in New York City. And graduate work at the Stonier Graduate School of Banking and the American Institute of Banking. He was involved with numerous professional organizations and volunteered in many activities. He was the Regional & Assistant Director of the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Kean University in Union NJ; Consultant at Kean University and Rutgers University Small Business Development Centers in Union and Newark NJ; Financial Consultant (self employed) at Nathaniel Sims Associates in East Orange NJ, Senior Vice President of City National Bank of New Jersey and Regional Vice President Bank of America.
Nat touched many lives and was passionate about helping others achieve their business goals. His numerous awards include, winner of "NJSBDC Small Business Advocate Award" and Appreciation Award from the Minority Business Community presented by N.J. Minority Brain Trust, Appreciation Award from Bayonne Economic Development Corporation and the Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year Award.
He was an active member of the Juvenile Conference Committee, and a Mentor/Bible School Teacher at Monumental Baptist Church in Jersey City, NJ, as well as, a member of National Urban League. Nat also
served as the past president of the Scholarship Committee at St. John the Baptist Church in Scotch Plains. Additionally, Nat was an active community leader and role model for many young and adult individuals. Amongst all of his accomplishments that is what he was most proud of.
I had the honor of working with Nathaniel Sims at the SBDC at Kean University in 2002. He was a very inspirational man and I really looked up to him and admired him. He will be truly missed.
Simone Mercury
August 15, 2024 | Work
First I send my sincere condolences to the Sims Family. Mr Sims was at SCORE when I entered the program for assistance with writing a business plan to open a day care center in Jersey City he in my mind became my mentor even though I never saw him again after the end of the program. That hour once a week Mr Sims taught me about business and I never forgot him. I'm long out of the day care business that was when I was 28 yrs old. I'm now 53 years old and live in SC. I recently published a book...
Francine Pruitt dawkins
November 17, 2019 | Greenville, SC
My cousin always stood out in my memories. I can still remember getting direction from him like it was yesterday. Little did I know those talks would stand out in my memories as a man. I know his life was purposeful and made many positive impacts on many people. I wish my cousin Dana the best memories during this time. Love your cuz hope you are good.
Raheem Giles
June 01, 2017 | NJ | Family
My condolences to the Sims family on the passing of Mr. Sims. I did not realize he had passed until today. Mr. Sims along with his sister Eloise Jackson opened the eyes of many children from Lafayette Projects in Jersey City by inviting us out to his house for holiday barbecues. He would allow us children the opportunity to see another side of life, one that we could strive for. We would ride his children's bikes or walk or play around the neighborhood, without any restrictions. He was not...
Troy Ridley
May 29, 2017 | Avenel, NJ
I came into work today and my coworker informed me that one of my favorite customers had passed and not for a second did I think it would have been Mr. Sims.
He was a man who was full of life and full of kindness. His visits to the bank were often times the best part of my day. He would bring me pictures of the newest member of his family, a great grandson he was so excited to read to. We discussed books and music. He spoke often about his family and his pet turtle. He told me how he...
Jamie Desposito
May 19, 2017 | NJ
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sims passing. I had the honor of working with him on the Scotch Plains/Fanwood JCC. It was clear to me that he always had the best interest of the juveniles when they came before his committee. He was a caring man. We will miss him.
Rich Ledesma
May 13, 2017 | Scotch Plains, NJ
I HAD THE PRIVELEGE OF WORKING WITH MR SIMS AT FIDELITY UNION TRUST ON SPRINGFIELD AVE IN NEWARK. HE HAS BEEN GIVEN HIS JUST REWARD IN HEAVEN AS NOW HE CAN REST. MY SYMPATHIES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR TO BE ABSENT ON EARTH IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD.REST WELL AS YOU HAVE TOILED ENOUGH. SIP with the rest of your bank colleagues who are waiting for their reunion with you.
May 13, 2017
To the Sims Family, you have our deepest sympathy. May God keep you strong.
Love,
Darryl &Linda Coxson
& family of Fanwood nj
May 11, 2017
Bro. Sims, my brother in Christ will be missed from the sharing of our worship at church and our appreciation of jazz at various concerts ( Jazz Vespers at Betheny/Carrie Jackson's. My sincere/heartfelt condolences to the family."To God Be The Glory"
Rev. Ralph M. Thomas
May 10, 2017 | Cranford, NJ
