John Wesley Sims Jr.

John Wesley Sims Jr, 92, of Tampa, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 24, 2026. He died peacefully in his sleep, with family by his side, ending several weeks of hospitalization during which he was surrounded by loving family and friends. John was born January 13, 1934, son of John and Ellen Sims. He grew up in rural Michigan, the second of three children, enjoying the responsibilities of farm life and work. His expectations of becoming a farmer changed due to world events. He enrolled at Michigan State University, where he joined the ROTC. He was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force after graduation and OCS. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University and later a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University. In 1977, he retired as a Lt. Col. in the Air Force, after an illustrious 21-year career, which included being one of the first 100 people in the world to fly Mach 2 in the B-58 Hustler, and completing 104 combat missions flying as a Wild Weasel Electronic Warfare Officer in the F-105, over North Vietnam. Post military retirement, John worked several years as a church administrator, college guidance counselor, and 12 years as a middle school guidance counselor.

John was an active church member throughout his life, leading Bible studies, serving as an elder, and participating in small fellowship groups. John was blessed with a wonderful 62-year marriage to Darlene. They shared an adventurous life of many military moves, and the joy of a large family - 5 children, 11grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition, they prioritized time with many extended family members and close friends, maintaining life-long close ties to their high school graduation classes (1951 Belleview High School for John, and 1952 Houghton Lake High School for 1934 ~ 2026

Darlene) and military social organizations. John and Darlene enjoyed frequent visits to Darlene’s home in Leelanau and in later years spent many happy summers here in their “little house,” inherited from Darlene’s parents, in Cleveland Township. After Darlene’s passing, John was blessed with the companionship and love of his sweetheart of eight years, Pauline Evans. John will be remembered for his unshakable faith in God, his love of family and friends, joy of life, sense of humor, love of sports and playing cards, interesting conversation and life stories, and patriotism.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Darlene (Dechow); parents, John and Ellen Sims; sister, Marilyn Lutz; son, Gregory Sims; son-inlaw, George Patrick Lowry; and grandson, John Wesley Sims IV. Survivors include son, John Wesley Sims III and fiancé June Beard; daughters Vicki Lowry, Cristi Anderson, and Laree Butler and husband John; sister, Joanne Houvener; grandchildren: Amy Reed and husband Joshua; Laurel Rhoades and husband Nic; Joshua Sims and wife Cameron; Shalyn Oliver and husband Colin; Jacob Sims and wife Elizabeth; Andrew Anderson and wife Claire Coker; Kyle Lowry and wife Moji; Jackson Butler; Jamie Gramza and husband Tyler; Janna Orr and husband Patrick; 11 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.

Graveside burial service, with military honors, will take place on Sunday, August 9, at 10 a.m., at the Cleveland Township Cemetery, in Leelanau County, Michigan. Lunch and Memorial will immediately follow in the Cleveland Township Hall. Family and friends are invited to attend and may gather at the graveside before the service. Summer casual dress is fine. To express condolences and for further details, please contact Laree, at [email protected].