Gerald Martin Sims

Gerald "Shorty" Sims, 64 went to be with the Lord October 19, 2010 in Mesa after battling cancer. A memorial service was held at Calvary Chapel in Snowflake on October 23, 2010 and graveside services were held October 25, 2010 at the R.V. "Mike" Ramsey Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake, Arizona. Gerald was born in Iowa City, Iowa on January 10, 1946 to Wendell and Irene (Odland) Sims. He graduated from Marana High School in 1964. He attended University of Arizona, then enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War Era and was stationed in Japan as a Communication Intelligence Specialist. He raced dirt bikes for the American Motor-Cross Racing Team and spent free time touring Japan on his Yamaha. Gerald was employed by the Snowflake School District for 27 years. He had a great vision for implementing technology in the district and worked to provide students all the computer benefits of big city schools. In his free time he enjoyed camping, spending time with family, building design, and construction. Gerald was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and uncle. His smile and kind and loving personality will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and coworkers. Gerald is survived by: his wife, Linda Louise Sims of Snowflake, Arizona; 3 children: Laura (Trent) Rollins, Garrett Sims, Carrie (Rolland) LaHaie; 8 siblings: Gwen (Ed) Dunbar, Christine (Andy) Edmiston, Rita (Max) Byrd, Rod (Tina) Sims, Peggy (Kenny) Kemp, Gail (Peter) Dattilo, Debra (Randy) Heath, Wendy (John) Sullivan; 1 brother-in-law, Chip (Brenda) Wilson and 5 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister and five nephews. The family has asked that donations be made in Gerald's name to the Town of Snowflake "Main Street Lamp Post Fund'.