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John Sims Obituary
Hattiesburg
John Michael "Mike" Sims, 72, of Hattiesburg, passed away on November 25, 2016, at Forrest General Hospital. He was born on December 6, 1943, to J.J. and Myrle Sims in Jasper County, MS.
After graduating from Heidelberg High School, he went on to earn a degree in political science and history from Mississippi State University. He received his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1967. During his approximately 40 year legal career, Mike practiced law in Taylorsville, Heidelberg, and Laurel. He was elected and served as the Jasper county prosecuting attorney for one term. He was the attorney for both the Jasper County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Heidelberg for many years. Mike was a well-known plaintiff's attorney and founder of The Sims Law Firm located in downtown Laurel, the employees of which became his second family. He retired from the active practice of law in 2006 and began Safari Timberlands, LLC, a highly successful company specializing in land acquisitions and development. Mike was an active member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg and a proud member of its church choir.
Mike was adored and respected by all who knew him and was known for his unparalleled generosity and kindness. A man of strong faith, Mike demonstrated Christ's love through his many charitable endeavors. He was absolutely devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Mike loved his family, the outdoors, fishing, and swimming. Indeed, Mike's was a life well-lived.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara "Lynn" Sims; one daughter, Jan Sims; three sons: Jeff (Angelia), Jonathan and Joshua (Lyndsey) Sims; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four siblings: Judy Hasbargen, Vickie Tanner, Barbara Stroud and Ronnie Sims. Mike's parents, J.J. and Myrle Sims, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 27, 2016, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church from 3-6. The service will be Monday, November 28, 2016, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church at 10am. A private interment to follow at Big Woods Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Oak Grove United Methodist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sims
Sponsored by Forrest Funeral Home - Hattiesburg.
Angie Corum
November 29, 2016
Praying for you and your family.
Debbie and Ricky Elkins
November 28, 2016
Lynn and family, we have been praying for you all and will continue to. Our Angela loved Mike like a second father and we know how much he loved her. So happy that he let Angela work for the law firm all those years ago and I got to know you all again. May the Lord help you all through these days ahead. Love to all. Debbie
Mitch Gavin
November 28, 2016
So sorry for the families loss , he was a great man .
Keisha Hopper
November 28, 2016
We love y'all so much Mike will be missed by so many dad said tell y'all he. Loves and misses you all and our thoughts are with yall
Linda Wheeler
November 28, 2016
Mike, you were the "bigger than life" brother of my best friend , Vickie . I always thought of you as that, my big brother... I never knew you not to be smiling and picking on your younger siblings or me , when I was around. I looked at you and Lynn as the perfect couple. Adoration was mutual between the two of you. Your legacy of love and generosity will
Live on through the family that you gave all your time, energy and love to and for... you will be genuinely missed with every breeze that moves through the trees and every ripple of the water in the lake of the "Big Woods". I know to your family it will be a smile, a whisper or a wink from you. RIP " big brother" to so many...
Bud and Mary Lou Fulcher/Powell
November 27, 2016
Prayers of comfort and blessings for family.
Nancy Jones
November 27, 2016
Lynn, May God bless you and your beautiful family in this time of sorrow. Buddy and I are so sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of our times together with you all at Heidelberg United Methodist church and Heidelberg Academy. We continue to pray for you.
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