Norris Arthur Sims

Norris Arthur Sims, 82, passed away at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock on the morning of November 16, 2025. Born at home in Moro, Arkansas, on October 22, 1943, he was a lifelong resident of McGehee, Arkansas, where he built a legacy rooted in hard work, love, community, and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Zula Jones Sims and Arthur Sims; three brothers, Agie, Burl, and Doyle; two sisters, Rose and Eva; his son, Art Sims Jr.; and his father-in-law, James Kusturin.

Norris is survived by his wife, Jamie Kusturin Sims, with whom he shared 31 years of marriage and 34 years of love, laughter, and unwavering friendship. Despite their age difference, Jamie was the love of his life-his safe place, his partner, and his very best friend. Together, they cherished traveling to their lake house in Hot Springs and spending time at the horse races there-some of their happiest moments were shared in that special place.

He is also survived by his brother, Drue (Beverly) Sims, and his sister, Becky Conliff; daughters Melissa (Pete) Bass and Marley Sims; and sons Greg (Allissa) Sims and Scott (McKenzi) Sims. His grandchildren include Art (Melody) Sims, Will (Abby) Sims, Greyson and Bo Sims, Ryan (Jessy) Bass, and Lauren (Shane) Skinner. He also leaves behind his beloved great-granddaughter, Layla Skinner, and great-grandchildren Alexa, Keaton, Callie, and Skylar Bass. Norris is remembered fondly by a host of nieces and nephews, many lifelong friends, his brother-in-law James (Dara) Kusturin Jr., and a special friend he proudly called his "bonus son," Shane (Stephanie) Smith.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mary (John) Harness Kusturin Thomas, and by the animals he dearly loved: his bird dogs Prince, Cracker, and Stormie; his calico cat, Cali; and his Tennessee Walker horse, Traveler.

Norris graduated from McGehee High School in 1961, where he served as president of the FFA and played on the basketball team. A Boys State candidate in his youth, he knew the value of hard work early-picking cotton by hand for fifty cents a day and only one glass of water. He once ventured to California in search of new opportunity, but soon returned home to the Delta, where he ultimately found his purpose and success.

He attended UCA for one semester before returning home to work on the family farm. He spent time working on the riverboat to help make the dream of farming possible.

Norris made a lasting impact through his service to the community. He served on the Desha County Fair Board, the Farm Bureau Insurance Board, and the Desha Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was an elected Justice of the Peace for Desha County District 9 and secretary/treasurer of the Desha County Republican Committee.

As coach, Norris led the 1987 McGehee High School golf team to a state title with his son Greg on the team. He was also an avid sports fan, known for calling the Hogs with unmatched enthusiasm-whether for basketball, football, or anything Razorbacks.

Norris was a legendary farmer, respected far and wide for his skill and wisdom. Over the course of 54 crops-beginning in 1965 and ending with his retirement in 2019-he became the person other farmers called for advice. He could recall seed varieties instantly, predict agricultural trends before they happened and consistently produced outstanding yields. He and his family were honored as the 2010 Farm Family of the Year.

An accomplished outdoorsman and competitor, Norris won the 2011 American Field Quail Futurity and placed numerous times in the NSTRA Bird Hunters Association. Last year, he was thrilled to have a dog qualify for the 2024 Quail Championship Invitational.

Above all, Norris will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was the life of every gathering-funny, wise, full of common sense, and always ready to dance. If he wasn't in the field, you could find him watching Fox News, a western, or enjoying time with his wife traveling the great state of Arkansas.

Norris was, and always will be, a legend.

Services

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in McGehee, Arkansas, with interment at the McGehee Cemetery.

A celebration of Norris's life will take place at The Delta Country Club following the interment, where all family, friends, and loved ones are welcome.

In lieu of flowers , memorials may be made to the National Bird Dog Museum, 505 Hwy 57 West, Grand Junction, TN 38039, Paws and Claws, P.O. Box 238, McGehee, AR 71654, or Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202-3500.