James Emory Sims

James Emory Sims, age 87, died June 24, 2015 at his home in Charlotte, NC after a lengthy illness. He was born August 2, 1927 in Sevier County Tennessee, son of the late James Crockett Sims and late Mary Ruby Henderson Sims. His sister, Ava Jean Hornung of Sevierville, TN, passed away earlier this year. Emory graduated in 1953 from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN with a Civil Engineering Degree after which he had a long career at Norfolk Southern Railway where he rose to the position of Division Superintendent. He was a devoted member of the Vol Nation. Emory honorably served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Fireman 2nd class and during the Korean Conflict as a Seaman. Emory is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marney "Mimi" Sims of the home in Charlotte. He is also survived by four children from his late wife, Mary Ann Sims of Knoxville, TN; daughter, Patricia Thomas of Macon, GA and her two sons Eric (Barb) and Dustin; daughter, Karen Veal (Ken) of Archdale, NC; son, Wayne Sims (Sylvia) of Winston-Salem, NC; son, Andrew Sims of Reidsville, NC and his son, Colton and daughter, Lindsay. Other survivors include a great granddaughter, Shelby of CA; half-brother, Tommy Sims; half-sister, Janie Griffin; brother-in-law John Hornung, all of TN; stepson, Mark Schaver; stepdaughter, Wendy Schaver Baum; and five step-grandchildren, Colin, Lea, Melanie, Zoe and Jack. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 5th at 2pm at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. The Sims family will receive friends following the service, during an informal reception at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity.