James Michael Sims

James M. Sims of Shelton, Washington, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023, in the presence of his family. He had been hospitalized after suffering a severe fall, and his passing was a result of the injuries and cascading complications resulting from that fall.

Raised in Tacoma, the son of Andrew and Leone Sims, Jim was a proud graduate of Saint Martin's University in Olympia, Washington. He later earned an MBA from George Washington University. He was a Distinguished Graduate of the Air War College, the senior Professional Military Education school of the U.S. Air Force.

Upon graduation from St. Martin's in 1962, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps and served for over 26 years. He retired as a Colonel in 1988. During his distinguished career, Jim commanded a Company in Viet Nam, the Marine Barracks in Hawthorne, Nevada, and the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines in Okinawa. Other assignments included Sea Duty (USS America CV-66), US Naval Academy, Battalion Operations Officer, Instructor at the Marine Corps Command & Staff College, Aide to the White House Chief of Staff, and Secretary of the General Staff at Marine Corps headquarters. When he retired, he was the Chief of Political-Military Analysis for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star with V for valor, the Purple Heart Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with V for valor, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Silver Star, and several other US and foreign decorations.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Jim enjoyed additional careers in both state government and the private sector. He was the Director of the Washington State Pollution Liability Insurance Agency. He served on the Mason County Planning Commission including 3 terms as Chair. He was a Supervisor of the Mason County Conservation District. He was the Chair of the Veterans Legislative Coalition for many years. Most recently, he served as Chair of the Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Commission.

In addition to his public service, Jim was devoted to his alma mater and to his fellow veterans. At St. Marin’s he cofounded the Purple Heart Scholarship Endowment, served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the University, and in 2000 was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. He was very active in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and served as National Commander from 2009 to 2010. He then went on to serve on the Purple Heart Foundation where he became the Chair in 2021. Another long-time passion was volunteering at the American Lake Veterans Golf Course. He eventually became the President of their 501c3, the Friends, from 2012 to 2017 when the Jack Nicklaus back nine holes was constructed.

Jim is survived by his wife Ginny, his son Patrick (Jennifer) Sims, sisters Maureen (Mac) McReynolds and Linda (Tom) Melton, grandsons Liam and Conor Sims, stepson Brett Ristine, several nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his brother Andrew Sims.