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James Robert Simms
Southern Shores – James Robert Simms, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother departed this life to meet his Lord and Savior on October 23, 2024, at his home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Born in Greenbrier County, West Virginia on February 28, 1952, Jim came from humble beginnings but loved his small town. He worked hard, was a multi-sport athlete, and following high school attended Marshall University before enlisting in the Air Force and proudly serving his country in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he decided to pursue a career in the trades by attending The Newport News Apprentice School in Virginia where he was a member of the golf team and a medalist. He graduated in 1979.
Jim met his wife Kathy at a hockey game at the Hampton Coliseum. They were married in 1982 and decided to move to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where Jim worked for L3 Nelson. Jim and Kathy gave birth to their only son in October of 1984. In 1989, he made the decision to move back to the Hampton Roads area to support his family and return to work at the Newport News Shipbuilding. He built a home in Carrollton, Virginia and worked his way up to a management position as a Cost Engineer with NNS.
Jim was a cherished father and husband. He coached little-league, served as a Cub Scout leader, and was always present in the lives of his family. Jim’s favorite hobbies were wood-working and golf. Upon retirement, he continued his passion for golf by working at the Cypress Creek Golf Club in Smithfield. Later in life, after his son took over management of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, he volunteered his time for the non-profit organization and traveled across the country to USCAA National Championships. In 2016, he was honored by their Board of Directors with a special recognition award. Jim was loved by all the athletic directors and coaches across the association.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother Helen Straub, stepfather “Shorty” Stoutamyer, and Uncle and best friend Thomas Blofeld. He is survived by his loving wife Kathy Simms, son Matthew Simms, daughter-in-law Kaley Simms, sisters Kaye Holcomb and Laura Rhodes, grandchildren Scarlett Simms and Presley Thomas.
Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 3 from 3-5pm at 4050 Hargrove Landing, Suffolk VA 23435. The funeral will take place Friday, November 8 from 1-3pm at Morgan Funeral Home located at 252 Montvue Dr., Lewisburg WV, 24901. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tunnel to Towers (t2t.org), an organization that supports American Veterans. Condolences to the family are welcome via the online register book at www.gallopfuneralservices.com .
Condolences
I was in the Ship Repair Group with Jim at NNS. I remember taking him to a Norfolk Tides game with his son Matt and my daughter Carrie, who rode in the back of my truck, inside the camper shell. Jim was a loyal friend and will be sadly missed by all. Looking forward to meeting you again, my friend, in a much better place. God Bless your family.
Jim was such a good man. We met when he and Kathy helped with our annual United Way golf tournaments for several years, along with sister Laura. Kathy, Kaye, Laura and family, please accept our deepest sympathies. Teresa and Rob
My heart goes out to Kathy and Matt! I met Jim and Kathy on a cruise about 15 years ago and we all instantly connected. We stayed in touch through the years and we all got together again about 10 years ago for another cruise with my entire family. They all loved them! They were so much fun to be around and I still talk to Kathy today. Greatest people I've ever met. You will be missed my friend
Jim was a very accomplished, respected and loved cousin. He will be missed here, but I expect to see him again in heaven with rest of our family.
Matt, Kaye and Laura, My Heart is hurting for Jim's homecoming You kids are very Dear to me. I May not be with you I'm person but I will be in spirit. GOD bless you now and forever Love Aunt Barbara
I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Jim was a great help to me personally, The Apprentice School, and the USCAA. I thought of Jim as a member of my staff. Being an Apprentice School graduate and longtime employee of the Shipyard he knew than anyone I could hire on my staff. Jim was also a personal friend of mine and he will missed.
I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Jim was a great help to me personally, The Apprentice School, and the USCAA. I thought of Jim as a member of my staff. Jim was also personal friend of mine and will be missed.
So sorry to read this news . My deepest condolences to Jimmy’s family . Jimmy and I were good friends growing up in Rainelle ! Prayers for the family .
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great guy. Fun to be around. It has been a few years since I last saw him, but I followed his posts on Facebook. He will be missed.
I met Jim at Smithfield HS when I coached Matt in football and baseball. Jim then helped me coach baseball along with Johnny Nelms and Wayne Harrell because my baseball coaching skills were limited. What a great time I had with the 3 of them. He became a great friend and was always an awesome parent. I was so happy for he and his wife when they moved to Duck and they were so excited. I regret that I never got to visit him when I came down for vacation. I’m gonna miss you Jim. I always appreciated your friendship!
Prayers for comfort for the family. He was a great friend and classmate.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I went thru school in Rainelle and Charmco with Jim and while we were not best buds, we did interact often and he was always a fun guy to hang out with. I’m sure he had a great life and I’m sorry it ended this soon. Gods peace and comfort to your family.
A good guy that did well after leaving the small town of Rainelle West Virginia. He will be missed by many friends and Family. He is the type of Man that made USA the best country in the world to live in.
So sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. We were all young and went to church together in Rupert, WV. Fond memories of all the Blofeld family, including Jim’s grandmother who was a wonderful pianist. Sympathy to Kaye, Laura and his loving family.
Dearest Mat and Kathy, so sorry to hear about Jim! He was a great man! Sorry I will not be able to attend any functions as my health will not allow me too! Miss seeing all of you and will have you all in my prayers! Love you Jo Ann!
I am so deeply sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Although we only met briefly when he and Kathy came through Montgomery, I became friends with him on Facebook and was able to maintain my friendship with Kathy through Jim. He was such a nice person, and I know he will be missed by all of his friends and family. You all have my sincere sympathy and prayers, as well as love. Peggy
He will be missed by family and friends. He came from a small town in West Virginia. Men like him are the ones that made USA great
Kathy, Matt, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a good friend. I didn't get to see him often but when I did he was great fun, and a joy to converse with. Kathy, I so enjoyed our last visit. Diane and I had such a great time with you and Jim. He will be greatly missed. We are praying for you and Matt.
I also worked with Jim in the ship repair group at the Shipyard. We oftern talked about growing up in West Virginia. We both were from WV me from Beckley and Jim from Rainelle. We really lost a good one in Jim. He will be missed by all.
Long time friend from Rainelle. Attended Jr High and High school with Jim. My prayers for the family and friends!
Sincere condolences to family and friends for their loss. Jimmy was a class mate and always a class act. He will be missed by all.
Coaching at Penn State beaver has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of great people. There was nobody better that I ever met in my entire life than Jim. he was an extraordinary human being. Jim was always like my second dad always look forward to seeing him at tournaments. I love you, buddy fly proud
So sorry for your loss Matthew. Your Dad and I were stationed in Texas, Kadena AFB in Okinawa and our last year in the Air Force at NKP, Thailand. Just a great guy and really enjoyed our time in the service.
I met Jim working at Nelson Electric in Tulsa. Jim was a very close friend. We played golf, softball and fished together. My wife and Jim’s wife were just as close. we shared a lot of time with both him and Kathy. When they moved from Broken Arrow we missed them dearly. We were best of friends and loved them very much. People like Jim and Kathy don’t come in your life very often. I thank God for the memories and friendship. I know Jim is in the hands of our Lord now and I will see him again. I can see him in heaven and God telling him, Well Done my Good and Faithful servant! See ya in a little while Jim, your friend John
I'm so sorry for your loss
JIm was a great friend and fellow employee at Nelson/NMP in tulsa. We enjoyed a lot of good times together. Best wishes to Kathy and Matt in the future.
Jim was a fine man and always had an encouraging word and smile for all. My son BJ and I were fortunate to know Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Simms family. Joey and BJ Maben
I was in the Ship Repair Group with Jim at NNS. I remember taking him to a Norfolk Tides game with his son Matt and my daughter Carrie, who rode in the back of my truck, inside the camper shell. Jim was a loyal friend and will be sadly missed by all. Looking forward to meeting you again, my friend, in a much better place. God Bless your family.
Jim was such a good man. We met when he and Kathy helped with our annual United Way golf tournaments for several years, along with sister Laura. Kathy, Kaye, Laura and family, please accept our deepest sympathies. Teresa and Rob
My heart goes out to Kathy and Matt! I met Jim and Kathy on a cruise about 15 years ago and we all instantly connected. We stayed in touch through the years and we all got together again about 10 years ago for another cruise with my entire family. They all loved them! They were so much fun to be around and I still talk to Kathy today. Greatest people I’ve ever met. You will be missed my friend
Jim was a very accomplished, respected and loved cousin. He will be missed here, but I expect to see him again in heaven with rest of our family.
Matt, Kaye and Laura, My Heart is hurting for Jim’s homecoming You kids are very Dear to me. I May not be with you I’m person but I will be in spirit. GOD bless you now and forever Love Aunt Barbara
I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Jim was a great help to me personally, The Apprentice School, and the USCAA. I thought of Jim as a member of my staff. Being an Apprentice School graduate and longtime employee of the Shipyard he knew than anyone I could hire on my staff. Jim was also a personal friend of mine and he will missed.
I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Jim was a great help to me personally, The Apprentice School, and the USCAA. I thought of Jim as a member of my staff. Jim was also personal friend of mine and will be missed.
So sorry to read this news . My deepest condolences to Jimmy’s family . Jimmy and I were good friends growing up in Rainelle ! Prayers for the family .
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great guy. Fun to be around. It has been a few years since I last saw him, but I followed his posts on Facebook. He will be missed.
I met Jim at Smithfield HS when I coached Matt in football and baseball. Jim then helped me coach baseball along with Johnny Nelms and Wayne Harrell because my baseball coaching skills were limited. What a great time I had with the 3 of them. He became a great friend and was always an awesome parent. I was so happy for he and his wife when they moved to Duck and they were so excited. I regret that I never got to visit him when I came down for vacation. I’m gonna miss you Jim. I always appreciated your friendship!
Prayers for comfort for the family. He was a great friend and classmate.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I went thru school in Rainelle and Charmco with Jim and while we were not best buds, we did interact often and he was always a fun guy to hang out with. I’m sure he had a great life and I’m sorry it ended this soon. Gods peace and comfort to your family.
A good guy that did well after leaving the small town of Rainelle West Virginia. He will be missed by many friends and Family. He is the type of Man that made USA the best country in the world to live in.
So sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. We were all young and went to church together in Rupert, WV. Fond memories of all the Blofeld family, including Jim’s grandmother who was a wonderful pianist. Sympathy to Kaye, Laura and his loving family.
Dearest Mat and Kathy, so sorry to hear about Jim! He was a great man! Sorry I will not be able to attend any functions as my health will not allow me too! Miss seeing all of you and will have you all in my prayers! Love you Jo Ann!
I am so deeply sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Although we only met briefly when he and Kathy came through Montgomery, I became friends with him on Facebook and was able to maintain my friendship with Kathy through Jim. He was such a nice person, and I know he will be missed by all of his friends and family. You all have my sincere sympathy and prayers, as well as love.
Peggy
He will be missed by family and friends. He came from a small town in West Virginia. Men like him are the ones that made USA great
Kathy, Matt, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a good friend. I didn’t get to see him often but when I did he was great fun, and a joy to converse with. Kathy, I so enjoyed our last visit. Diane and I had such a great time with you and Jim. He will be greatly missed. We are praying for you and Matt.
I also worked with Jim in the ship repair group at the Shipyard. We oftern talked about growing up in West Virginia. We both were from WV me from Beckley and Jim from Rainelle. We really lost a good one in Jim. He will be missed by all.
Long time friend from Rainelle. Attended Jr High and High school with Jim. My prayers for the family and friends!
Sincere condolences to family and friends for their loss. Jimmy was a class mate and always a class act. He will be missed by all.
Coaching at Penn State beaver has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of great people. There was nobody better that I ever met in my entire life than Jim. he was an extraordinary human being. Jim was always like my second dad always look forward to seeing him at tournaments. I love you, buddy fly proud
So sorry for your loss Matthew. Your Dad and I were stationed in Texas, Kadena AFB in Okinawa and our last year in the Air Force at NKP, Thailand. Just a great guy and really enjoyed our time in the service.
I met Jim working at Nelson Electric in Tulsa. Jim was a very close friend. We played golf, softball and fished together. My wife and Jim’s wife were just as close. we shared a lot of time with both him and Kathy. When they moved from Broken Arrow we missed them dearly. We were best of friends and loved them very much. People like Jim and Kathy don’t come in your life very often. I thank God for the memories and friendship. I know Jim is in the hands of our Lord now and I will see him again. I can see him in heaven and God telling him, Well Done my Good and Faithful servant! See ya in a little while Jim, your friend John
I’m so sorry for your loss
JIm was a great friend and fellow employee at Nelson/NMP in tulsa. We enjoyed a lot of good times together. Best wishes to Kathy and Matt in the future.
Jim was a fine man and always had an encouraging word and smile for all. My son BJ and I were fortunate to know Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Simms family. Joey and BJ Maben