Thomas Sima

Thomas "Tom" Arthur Sima, age 75, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, at his beloved shop, Westbank Audio in Gretna, after a courageous five-year battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Tom was the son of the late Arthur Sima and Eileen Mary Sima (Ryall) of Ontario, Canada. In 1969, he moved to New Orleans after enlisting in the United States Coast Guard-a decision that would shape the rest of his life. During his four years of service, Tom completed 18 months of sea duty, attended Underwater Swimmer School (scuba), served proudly as a Boatswain's Mate Second Class (BM2), and was honorably discharged as an E-5, Petty Officer Second Class. His dedicated service earned him both the Good Conduct Award and the National Defense Service Medal. While stationed in New Orleans, Tom met the love of his life, Pamela A. Sima (Blouin). Together they built a beautiful life in Terrytown, where they raised their three children and have lived for more than four decades. Tom's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife Pamela, and his children: Kelly Sima Benedic(Jeff Benedic), Mary Sima (Jonathan Mathes), and Kerry Sima (Jessica Clements Sima). He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Kerry Aiden Sima, Kayla Benedic, Kady Benedic, Beau Benedic, Noah Mathes, Liam Sima, Olivia Sima, and Rosalie Mathes. Tom is survived as well by his sisters, Arleen Kinder (Ray), Joanne Slepicka (deceased Edward "Tick" Slepicka), and Mary Kay Crowell (Tom); his sister-in-laws, Cecelia Warren (deceased Craig Warren), Avis Bozeman (B.J.), and Janis Parker (Mike); his nieces and nephews, Aaron Perry (Katie), Patrice Blouin, Kristy Mascarella (Tony), Ashley Bozeman, Stacy Dumestre (Jeff), Sabrina Clarke (Nick), Tiffany Warren, and Nikki Blouin Rodriguez (Robert), Amber Crowell Moore (Trey); and his amazing 95 year old mother-in-law Betty Deslatte Blouin. Tom was preceded in death by his niece Cara Lynne Perry, his nephews Mike Slepicka and Bradley Bozeman, his brother-in-law Joel Blouin, and his father-in-lawJules Blouin. Tom lived a life full of passion, curiosity, and unmistakable personality. In his younger years, he was an avid skydiver, logging over 1,000 jumps, and later became a pilot who proudly owned and flew his own Cessna-both for personal adventure and private hire. He was a man who loved the thrill of the skies just as much as the quiet satisfaction of solving a complicated electronic repair. For decades, Tom was known throughout the community for his rare and exceptional expertise at Westbank Audio, where countless people relied on his skill and honesty. Beyond his work, he gave generously of his time, volunteering with the Christ the King Men's Club and the Terrytown Country Club, where he served on the board for over ten years. But for those who knew Tom best, their fondest memories live down in Port Sulphur, at one of his two camps-his south Louisiana paradise. Weekends there were filled with boat rides, fishing and trawling, shooting, cooking the best steaks, drinking cold beer, bonfires, cigars, music, and endless laughter with friends and family. Tom lived by the camp rule: "What happens at the camp, stays at the camp." And if you know, you know! Tom lived boldly, loved deeply, and gave generously. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of family, friendship, service, and stories that will be told for generations. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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