Jesse Sims

Jesse Sims, 79, a longtime Mooresville resident, passed away July 7, 2023, after a yearlong battle with health issues.  Jesse was born July 3, 1944, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, the only son of the late Willie Franklin Parish and Allene (Dyer) Sims.  He married Jacqueline (Million) Sims in August of 1964, and she survives. 

Growing up on a farm in Brookston, Indiana, Jesse learned the value and importance of hard work.  He was a talented athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and running track during his high school days and as a basketball player at Indiana State University.  A self-made man, Jesse owned and operated three different businesses through the years:  Links, JGJ, and WHSE, Inc.  In addition to a larger-than-life stature and personality, and an eternally optimistic outlook, Jesse’s charismatic demeanor and charm were a perfect combination for much success in life and the business world. 

Jesse was an avid golfer and member of the Plainfield Elks Club, Mooresville Eagles, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.  He was a faithful member of the Belleville Church of Christ.  He loved his garage time, sipping a cold Miller light, and making his rounds on his golf cart.  His favorite role though was that of Pappy to his beloved six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  He loved his family immensely and was very proud of their accomplishments.  Jesse taught his family to embrace their weaknesses and to learn from them.  Jesse will be fondly remembered for his kindness, genuine personality, and his ability to love unconditionally and without judgment. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth “Hattie” Coffel and his beloved dog, Oscar. 

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jackie; children, Timothy (Lori) Sims, Jessica Blakey, and Jennifer (Patrick) Heyob; sister, Janice (Ron) Hiner; grandchildren, Joshua, Sabastian, Jarod, Jacob, Josie, and Leo; great-grandchildren, Kacie, Benji, and Mia; special companion, Diana LaMarca.

Jesse’s Life Celebration® Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville.  Visitation will be Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 4 to 8 p.m., with services beginning at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023.  The burial will be in White Lick Cemetery.  Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.  “If you love your Pappy, raise your hand!”