Jerry Lee Sims

Jerry Lee Sims, 77, of New London, formerly of Burlington, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

He was born Oct. 22, 1948, in Galesburg, Illinois to Forrest Laverne Sr. and Dorothy Jane Lane Sims. He married Connie Baughman on July 20, 1968, in Galesburg and she died Feb. 27, 2023.

Jerry graduated from Galesburg High School and started his career with Hi-Lo Grocers in Galesburg. In 1973 he went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad, where he retired in 2008.

He was of the Christian faith and enjoyed traveling with his wife in their RV, camping, woodworking, genealogy, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; he especially loved making calendars for his family at Christmas.

Jerry is survived by daughters, Julie (Ed) Earhart and Brenda (Bruce) Hunter, both of Burlington; six grandchildren, Breanna Purvis, Brittany Earhart, Lorraine Emde, Matthew Earhart, Zach Hunter, and Abby Hunter; seven great-grandchildren, Charli Connor, Alexis Emde, Finley Emde, Emma Purvis, Bowden Schier, C.J. Purvis and one on the way, Ivy Lee Schramm.

He was preceded in death by his wife, brother Forrest Jr. and sister Joyce Lufkin.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at Elliott Chapel, New London with the family receiving friends from 1 to 2 p.m. and a graveside service immediately following in Burge Cemetery, rural New London with Pastor Shane McCampbell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for family expenses.

Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com