James Milton Sims, Jr.

James Milton Sims, Jr., age 77 passed away Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at his home in Shawnee.

He was born on July 13, 1949 to Phyllis and James Sims, Sr. in Garden City, Kansas. He was raised in the Short, Oklahoma area, attending elementary school at Belfonte and graduating from Muldrow High School in 1967. In 1968, James joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving until 1970. After the serving in the Marines, James returned to Oklahoma and began riding bulls for the excitement and adventure. One misadventure on a bull nearly incapacitated him fully, but he fought back, recovered and kept living life to the fullest. Brenda Ellis joined James' life through her brother Delbert. They were married on May 25, 1974 in McAlester, Oklahoma, enjoying 43 years of marriage before her passing in 2017. In the mid 1980's, James joined the U.S. Army Reserves at age 38 before being honorably discharged in 1989, but also having had taken another hard fall while doing training. The accident paralyzed him and confined him to a wheelchair for the remainder of his remarkable life, yet it never diminished his drive or ended his active, engaged way of living. James attended Oklahoma Baptist University; completing 2 bachelor's degrees, a religious degree in 1974 and a Health, PE, and Recreation degree in 1995.

James was a true man of God. He was an ordained minister at a cowboy church and practiced his calling by asking nearly everyone he met if their eternal salvation was secure. In Shawnee, he was a faithful member of the Hilltop Baptist Church. Additionally, advocacy for wheelchair access was a passion for James. Much time was spent assessing wheelchair access at local businesses and public features. If there were deficiencies, James made certain those with ability to fix it were notified and held to the legal standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act. In time, he became appreciated by the local leaders for his commitment to ensuring those in wheelchairs could have the same access as others. His determination to help others will continue to be appreciated by many who do not know the efforts he made on their behalf. As someone who always wanted to be active, James would participate in the annual National Veteran Wheelchair Games. There, he competed in racing, swimming, obstacle courses, and weight lifting. His faith, advocacy, and athletic participation all tell the same larger story. His disability changed the circumstance of his life, but not his purpose, activity, or concern for others.

Survivors include his children: Becky Gray and husband Jason, Andy Sims and wife Leslie, and Mandy Edwards and husband Ben all of Shawnee; siblings Kenny Sims, Carol Henson and husband Gerald, Cindy Short and husband Steve, and Bill Sims, all of Short, OK; grandchildren: Liam Gray, Adalyn Sims, Adrian Sims, Maycee Edwards, and Lincoln Edwards; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as his caretaker and friend Phoenix Hindman. Additionally, James' family is grateful for the kindness and companionship of Visiting Angels, Michelle and Theresa. Lastly, the family wishes to thank Choice Hospice and Nurse Tara for their tender compassionate care.

James is preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Jesse Sims, and his best friend Pat Robirds.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at Riley-Walker Funeral Service & Crematory on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 1-5pm with the family present to greet friends from 2-4pm. A funeral ceremony to celebrate James' life will be held at 10am Monday, September 14, 2026 at Hilltop Baptist Church, 44500 E. MacArthur Street, Shawnee, OK with Pastor Gary Nickerson Officiating. Following the ceremony, James will be laid to rest with U.S. Marine Corps honors at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Riley-Walker Funeral Service & Crematory.