Obituary of John Elmer Sims Jr

John Elmer Sims, Jr., 66, died Tuesday at his home in Danville, KY. Born January 20, 1947, in Fayette County, KY, to the late J. Elmer and Boone (Nichols) Sims. John was a 1965 graduate from the Harrodsburg High School where he was class president. He went on to the University of Kentucky then to Eastern Kentucky University where he received a Bachelor's degree in secondary education. While there he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the swim team. He later obtained his Master's from NOVA University. John started his teaching career in Gainesville, FL teaching Social Studies at Howard Bishop Middle School then on to the Gainesville High School, Santa Fe High School and Eastside High. He coached the swimming and diving teams. John also held several administrative positions including Student Activities Director, Supervisor for Social Studies and Fine Arts and Coordinator for a grant funded position to provide enrichment and after school tutoring for Elementary and Middle School Students. During his teaching career he received numerous honors, awards and recognitions for his dedication to his profession. John retired in 2008 but continued to substitute teach. He was an active member of the Rotary Club. He is survived by: a brother: Henry Lee Nichols (Janice) Sims of Harrodsburg, brother-in-law: Jack Key of Danville, Niece: Susan Key (Rick) Shelton of Danville and nephew: John Key of Perryville, Six Great Nieces and Nephews. John was preceded in death by a sister: Nickey Sims Key. Visitation will be 5-8 pm Sunday, September 8, at Ransdell Funeral Chapel, Harrodsburg, KY. Pallbearers will be: Keith Batterton, W. Dan Boyd Jr., Don Lewis, Alan Morrow, W. Daniel Boyd III, Larry Royalty, Mike Matherly and Ron Ashford. Honorary Bearers: Harrodsburg High School Classmates, Mattie Cammack, Angelo LaMarco, Greg and Melissa Caudill, Catherine DeSantola Egley and Mary Ann Coxe Zimmerman Tony Jones, Marsha Boyd, Lu La Lafontaine, Caleb Young, Rosa Williams and Lawson Brown. Funeral service will be Monday at 11:00 am at Ransdell Funeral Chapel by Bert Eyster. Burial will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery, Harrodsburg. The family request memorial donations be sent to Heritage Hospice, P.O. Box 1213, Danville, KY 40422 or Take Stock in Children, Educational Foundation of Alachua County, 620 E. University Ave., Gainesville FL 32601