Dr. James D. Sims

Dr. James D. Sims, formerly of Troy, Ohio, passed away on May 22, 2018 in Naples, Florida.  He was born March 31, 1922 in Groveport, Ohio to the late Dorwin and Christine Sims.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Marjorie Sims.  Dr. Sims is survived by two sons and a daughter:  Dr. James L. Sims of Troy, Dr. David D. Sims of Huntington, NY (Woodie Sims) and Susan Hillbrand of Santa Monica, California (Jack Hillbrand).   Also surviving Dr. Sims are six grandchildren:  Laura Michaels (Lee Michaels), Jordan Dorsey (Ken Dorsey), Corrie Ackerman (Scott Ackerman), Joshua Sims (Joanna Sims), Kyle Hillbrand, and Merideth Hillbrand (Steve Kado).  There are also seven great-grandchildren:  Anna and Zach Michaels, Tyler and Logan Dorsey, Christie Ackerman, and Nico and Anya Sims.

Dr. Sims practiced dentistry in Troy, Ohio for 46 years (1946-1992) and was on staff at Stouder Hospital for oral surgery.  He also served as past president of the Western Ohio Dental Society and past president of the Western Ohio Academy of Dental Practice Administration.   He was a graduate of Port Clinton High School and in 2001 was inducted into the Port Clinton High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a nine-time varsity letterman in football, basketball, and track (where he held the 400-yard record for many years). 

He attended the Ohio State University in a pre-dental program and graduated from the OSU College of Dentistry in 1945.  While attending college, he was selected to many men’s honor societies including Romophos (sophomore year), Bucket and Dipper (junior year), and Sphinx (senior year).  He was a starting guard on the OSU men’s basketball team in 1942, 1943, and 1945 during which time they were Big Ten Champions and participants in the NCAA Final Four.  In 1944, during WW II, he served in the Army Specialized Training Program.  He was a member of the OSU Letterman’s Society and Varsity O Club.  He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and the Psi Omega professional dental fraternity.   After graduation from dental school he served an internship in oral surgery, taught in the dental school, and did general dentistry at the Tuberculosis Alum Creek Hospital. 

In 1952, he was called out of dental practice to serve in the Korean War as a Naval officer attached to the Marines.  As an oral surgeon, he was assigned to a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH unit) near the front lines, which was an early triage system that underscores today’s emergency room medical protocol.  He was present at the exchange of POW’s at Panmunjom, Korea. 

He was involved in many activities in the Troy community.  He served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Troy, was district chairman of the Boy Scouts, president of the Heywood PTA, and was a long time member of Kiwanis.  He was a member of the Troy Country Club, serving as a board member and a member of Patriarchs and Blue Monday.  He was a two-time men’s club golf champion and seven-times runner-up.  He was a distinguished citizen of the year in Troy and was given the “key to the city” award. 

A memorial service will be held for both Dr. Sims and his wife, Marjorie on October 27th at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Troy.  Contributions can be given to the Hospice of your choice.