James Randolph Sims

James R. Sims, aged 66, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024 at home surrounded by his loved ones, following a long and valiant battle with cancer. James was born on March 18, 1958 in Statesboro, Georgia to Sarah Lois and S.E. Sims. He attended Southeast Bulloch High School and graduated in 1976. He met the love of his life, Melanie Donaldson Sims, in Statesboro and they married in August of 1981.
James was a jack of all trades and a master carpenter, able to envision and build anything he set his mind to. He worked on a variety of projects during his years living in Statesboro and Dallas, Georgia. One that he and his wife and children take a little extra pride in is the construction of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge in Savannah. Visiting River Street and seeing the beautiful bridge was always a family favorite.
When he wasn't working tirelessly to support his family, James filled his hours and thoughts with ways to make them laugh. Whether it was through performing his annoyingly large repertoire of dad jokes or crafting his next practical one, he always succeeded in that effort. His innate ability to bring smiles and joy into any situation will be sorely missed. His never wavering faith and incredible strength will live on in those he leaves behind. James is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his two brothers, Dennis Sims and Randy Sims.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 43 years, Melanie Donaldson Sims of Statesboro; daughters Summer Sims of Kennesaw and Nicki Sims of Savannah; son Jason Pless of Panama City, Florida; granddaughters Alyssa Van Beek of Marietta and Isabella Liles of Panama City, Florida; sister and brother-in-law Armenda and Gary Barnes of Statesboro; brother and sister-in-law Rex and Angie Sims of Fort Myers, Florida; his brother-in-law and his wife Steve and Kelly Donaldson; his sister-in-law and her husband Annette and Tony Crosby; his sister-in-law Cathy Acree of Dallas; his sister-in-law Carolyn Sims of Statesboro; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of Life will be held and announced at a later date.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made in lieu of flowers to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P O Box 531 Statesboro, GA 30459 or at oahospice.org. The work they do is invaluable and we are forever grateful for their kindness. Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com. Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.