Edgar Sims

SIMS, EDGAR JOE Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 13, 2010
at LaGrone Funeral Chapel, for Edgar Joe Sims, age 84, who passed away August 8, 2010 in Roswell. A family grave side service will be held at a later date in Vaughn. The Rev. Jim Bignell of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and Rev. Ruth Fowler of Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate.

Joe was born July 6, 1926, in Lometa, Texas to George Edgar Sims and Wahlecia Dell Blackwell Sims of Pastura, NM, who preceded him in death. Joe married Emily Estes, November 10, 1947. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2005. They were married for 58 years. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, George Tommy Sims and Rev. Albert D. Sims. Joe is survived by two sons: Alan Sims of Roswell and Mike Sims of Montrose, Colorado two brothers: Robert Richard Sims of Queen, NM and Dr. James R. Sims of Bozeman, Montana one sister: Betty Sims Solt of Roswell. Joe had three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Joe grew up on a sheep and cattle ranch near Santa Rosa, NM. He was a lifetime rancher, ranch manager, livestock inspector for NM Livestock Board and several banks. He also was in the ranch and farm real estate business for 30 years. Joe was a World War II Naval Veteran who served in the South Pacific. He was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church. He was also a 4H leader and advisor.

Joe graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1943 where he was a star forward in basketball. In July 1943 he joined the US Navy and in October was sent to the Special Naval Signal School in Bainbridge, Maryland. He was 1 of 25 invited to the White House for Thanksgiving dinner with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Mrs. Roosevelt.

In December he was assigned to a destroyer as a 3c Signalman and fought all over the pacific, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. February 1945 he was assigned to the Naval Special Forces on the one square mile island of Ulithi, West Caroline Island as a signalman 1st class. July of 1945 he was sent on temporary duty to Tinian Island on a secret assignment, and two weeks later on August 6th the Enola Gay took off from Tinian Island with the atomic bomb headed for Hiroshima. In June of 1946 he received an honorable discharge at San Diego. In September 1946 he enrolled in New Mexico A M. He helped start the Aggie rodeo club and was a member of the college team. He won many ropings on his favorite horse Susie Q that he had trained. He entered college NIRA Rodeos, professional RCA Rodeos, and amateur rodeos, also matched ropings.

The family would like to thank the staff at Villa del Rey and La Villa for their care during the last year. Special thanks to Vista Care Hospice. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial can be made to the Assurance Home of Roswell, 1000 East 18th, Roswell, NM 88201, or the charity of your choice.

Friends may pay respects online at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com

Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

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