James Rex Sims

James Rex Sims, 96, a prominent Bonita Springs, Florida, businessman, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Born in 1928 in Wabash.

Rex was the son of Rex and Clara Sims and grew up during the Great Depression. He married Peggy Dawes in 1949 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 1960, he founded Fulton Metal Manufacturing, later leading efforts in the pollution control industry, where his company became a leader in electrostatic precipitator equipment for power plants.

Rex was committed to his community in Rochester, where he served as president of the chamber of commerce, the first chairman of the Industrial Bond Agency, and president of the Rochester Community School Board.

Alongside other business leaders, he contributed to the growth and development of Rochester by establishing new businesses and constructing buildings that bolstered the town's vitality.

An avid private pilot, Rex owned and cherished his Cessna aircraft, which he used for business, recreational fishing trips, and annual Canadian canoe adventures.

In 1980, Rex and Peggy moved to Bonita Springs, Florida, where Rex continued serving the community through roles in the chamber of commerce and as a founding member of the Bonita Springs Elks Lodge, which he helped design and construct, serving as its first Exalted Ruler.

Rex dedicated 65 years to Rotary service, where he served as president of the Rochester Rotary Club and made significant contributions as a multi Paul Harris Fellow. In 2009, he and Peggy traveled to Belize with their Rotary Club to distribute wheelchairs. That then became their charity and proceeds from one of Rex's books have now funded the purchase of over 200 wheelchairs.

Active in his faith, Rex and Peggy joined the Community Congregational Church in 1981, later touring Israel and being baptized in the Jordan River. He also served in the Bay Presbyterian Church after moving to Bonita Springs.

A pivotal advocate for Bonita Springs' incorporation in 1998, Rex served as vice chair of the effort and helped shape the city's foundational governance and comprehensive planning.

In 1985, Rex and Peggy, along with their daughter Susie Sayger, founded Heaven Scent Flowers Inc., transforming the Old 41 building into a hub for the community. Later, in 2009, they launched For Heaven Shakes Ice Cream with Susie's husband, Jim, further enriching downtown Bonita Springs. His last business venture, Hosting Bonita, created multiple pet-friendly, short-term vacation rentals that Steve manages.

He authored four books, writing his first book at age 90. His fifth manuscript was sent to the publisher just before he passed away and his children have promised to get it printed.

Rex was a long-standing member of several Masonic and Shrine organizations, including the Rochester Masonic Lodge, South Bend Scottish Rite, Mizpah Shrine of Fort Wayne, and Bonita Springs Shrine Club. He was honored to be chosen for the veteran's Honor Flight to tour Washington, D.C. with his son as his guardian.

He was very involved in the historical preservation of his hometown, Wabash, and added his first-hand stories and memories on their Facebook page.

He is survived by his son Steven Rex Sims and wife, Christine; daughter Susie Sayger and husband, Jim, of Bonita Springs; his grandchildren, Abbe and Lucas Guddal; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Proceeding him in death were his wife of 75 years, Peggy in October 2024, grandsons Brandon Sims in 2010 and Jacob Guddal in 2005, sisters Betty Creighton of London, England, and sister Barbara Russell of Wabash, and his beloved Chow Chow Robear, and Riley the Boxer.

Services will be Sunday, June 8, at the Rex Sims Hall in the Bonita Springs Estero Elks Lodge at 3 p.m. It will be live-streamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/s/celebration-of-life-for -james-/1202308954421674/

Donations may be made to the Bonita Springs Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 474, Bonita Springs, FL 34133-0474, marked for the "Learn2Earn Scholarship," benefiting Lee County students pursuing trade education.

Rex will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his dedication to his communities, his family, and his commitment to service. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, family owned and operated since 1978.