Robert Sims,

Sr.

Obituary

Robert Sims Sr.

June 27th, 1919 ~ December 24th, 2016

R obert Sims, Sr., 97, expired Saturday, December 24th, 2016 (Christmas Eve) in his home located at 283 Howland Avenue, Englewood, New Jersey following a long illness. He was born in Savannah, Georgia on June 27th, 1919 to Ceasar and Daisy. At an early age, he and his family moved to New Jersey.

He obtained his education through the Englewood Public School District located in Englewood, New Jersey. Unfortunately, because of pressing financial problems, he had to drop out of school after the 10th grade. He then enlisted in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) created by President Theordore Roosevelt in 1933 to provide work for unemployed people in return for temporary financial assistance.

In 1935, he joined First Baptist Church located on William Street in Englewood, New Jersey. He was baptized by Reverend Pearson and became an active member of the choir and usher board. He felt uplifted and enjoyed being in the surroundings of the church environment.

He married Irene Geneva Winfield in 1940. They had three children as a result of this union: Myrna, Robert Jr. and Vera. The union resulted in divorce years later.

In 1944, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he rose to staff sergeant and served his country admirably. He received an honorable discharge in 1946 and returned to his hometown in Englewood, NJ. in search of employment to support his family. During this period, he also joined the National Guard, serving from 1946 to 1949. He found a job with the United States Post Office where he remained for a short period of time. He then went to work for Curtis Wright—a company located in Teterboro, New Jersey that made propellers for airplanes at the time. In search of greater financial stability and benefits for his family, he landed a job with Ford Motor Company, where he worked for 28 years before retiring in 1980.

He was an excellent gardener and maintained one of the finest properties on his block. He had a passion for fishing and often organized fishing trips for friends and acquaintances. He enjoyed playing tennis, although his game was somewhat suspect. Also, his house often served as the epicenter for his friends to gather, discuss, and solve the problems of the world, but mostly to stretch the truth about one thing or another, particularly about the fish that they caught.

Among his attributes were: a great sense of humor; kindness toward others, particularly the downtrodden and the disenfranchised; punctuality; and tidiness/neatness. He would give you the shirt of his back, if it were necessary. He was a member of the following organizations: American Legion (Henry Douglas) Post 58, Englewood, NJ; and the 369th Veterans Association--an organization which honors soldiers from Harlem who fought in France during World War I.

He, along with others, was instrumental instarting/organizing the democratic party in the City of Englewood to address issues and remedy concerns which largely impacted the lives of African Americans who resided there.

He was one of the original founders of Englewood Day which focused on bringing residents of the Fourth Ward in Englewood together to enjoy one another's company in song, dance and good food.

Robert leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 43 years, Julia Sims; children, Myrna (Roger) Morris, Robert (Edith) Sims, Jr., Terry (Sheryl) Austin, Vera Sims, and Daphne Sims; grandchildren, Bradley (Pamela) Morris, Damani Sims, Atiyya (Johnny) Chavarria, and Omari Sims; great grandchildren, Cydne Morris, Femi Chavarria, and Gahbril Chavarria; cousins, Livingston (Natsua) Boone, Nathaniel (Harriet) Boone, David (Carol) Boone, Wayne Tyre, Peter (Gina) Boone, Daryl Boone, Karen Mazzoni, Dana (Brent) Becker, Nicole Boone, and Joyce Allen; and his dear friends Amos (Lucille) Johnson, Charlie Reid, Kathy Valentine, Lawrence (Sharon) Suffern, James (Delores) Bryant, Ivy Saunders, and Marilyn Coy--his trusted caregiver.

His family and friends were the joy of his life. He was most grateful for the love and kindness they displayed toward him throughout his existence. And finally, he would tell everyone gathered here today not to be saddened by his departure, rather he would encourage you to be happy and live life to the fullest.