Jack Paul Sims' Obituary
Jack Paul Sims, 81, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed peacefully at home on January 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and laughter. Born in Cherokee, Oklahoma, Jack grew up on a farm in Aline, Oklahoma, where he learned the value of hard work and never meeting a stranger—a trait modeled by his parents that served him well throughout his life.
Jack attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. From 1964 to 1966, he served as a radar technician in California. After being honorably discharged because of health issues due to Crohn’s Disease, he met the love of his life, Charlene, in California. They married on March 12, 1967, beginning a 57-year partnership filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures.
The couple returned to Oklahoma in 1968, where Jack spent the bulk of his career with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, dedicating himself to helping others find work and stability. He retired in 1991 as manager of the Employment Office in Norman, Oklahoma.
Jack’s passions extended well beyond his work. A lifelong car enthusiast, he poured his heart into restoring and customizing his dream car, a 1941 Chevy Sedan affectionately named “Muv’n On.” The car was a showstopper, winning many awards as he traveled across the country to car shows. As a member of the Oklahoma Runaways Street Rod Club and an inspector for the National Street Rod Association, Jack’s love of cars brought him lifelong friendships and joy.
Jack’s talents weren’t limited to the garage. With a beautiful tenor voice that rang out above the congregation as he sang his favorite hymns, he and Charlene served at Northside Christian Church early in their marriage, where he was an elder and served as a youth group leader alongside Charlene. His faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of his life, and he was proud of the legacy of faith that has been passed down to his kids and grandkids.
Jack’s love for community shone through in his roles as an American Legion officer and a Mason in the Aline Masonic Lodge, following in the footsteps of his father, uncles, and grandfather. Whether playing basketball and tennis in high school or cheering on his grandchildren decades later, Jack lived life with energy, resilience, a bit of saltiness, and a heart full of love.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife Charlene; his sons, Paul Sims and wife Laurie, Ricky Sims and wife Tasha; seven grandchildren, Baylie (Sims) Smith, Braden Sims, Annie (Sims) Richardson, Kale Sims, Wil Sims, Hannah (Sims) Ryan, and Rachel Sims; and two great-grandchildren, Evelyn Richardson and Ridgley Ryan. He also leaves behind two brothers, Bob Sims and Steve Sims, and wife Trisha. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Wanda Sims; uncles Floyd, and wife Vivian, and Doyne Sims; aunt Joanna (Wilson) Scully, and husband Bob.
Jack’s family invites all who knew him to celebrate his extraordinary life and share their favorite stories. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Jack’s memory by donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Services will be held at Nelson Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas at 11am on January 16, 2024, and will be followed by his burial at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville.
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