Joseph Sims' Obituary
Joseph “Joe” Sherrer Sims passed away January 3, 2016 . He was born April 3, 1927 in Jackson, Mississippi the third of three children to Matthew David Sims and Blake Parker Sims. Joe grew up in Midtown Memphis and attended Snowden and Central High School. He graduated from Princeton University and Vanderbilt Law School. During the Korean War, he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy in Communications on Guam. An avid life time athlete, he captained the Princeton Sprint Football team and enjoyed playing tennis and watching his children and grandchildren play tennis. Joe married the love of his life, Vivian Jane Walker in 1948, and they were married 61 years. Soon after, Joe began work at First Tennessee in the Trust Department and retired as Vice-Chairman of the Holding Company. Joe loved traveling, playing tennis, and spending summers at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly with his wife, Vivian. A civic leader, he assisted in the formation and also served as the first chairman of the Assisi Foundation and was a long time board member of Buckman Laboratories and Rhodes College. He was a member of the University Club, the English Speaking Union, and Idlewild Presbyterian Church. A kind, gentle man he loved his family and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. With a twinkle in his eye and a dry sense of humor, he discussed books and ideas with his family and the Swamp Jackson Book Club. His wife, Vivian Walker Sims predeceased him as did his brother David Clark Sims. He is survived by his brother Robert Yates Sims and his wife Gloria Sims. Further, he is survived by two children, Sherrie J. Sims of Memphis and J. Walker Sims of Memphis and his wife, Amie. Also, he leaves five grandchildren, Charles Sims, Amelia Sims, Walker Sims, Eliza Sims, and Anne Sims Schuler. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery….”Celebrating Life…..behind the stone wall”
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?