Funeral Services for Raymond Sims, 78, of Jefferson will be 10:30 am Wednesday at the Central Christian Church in Jefferson.  Interment will be in the Junction Township Cemetery, Grand Junction, Iowa.  Visitation will be after 11:00 am Tuesday at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Memorials are suggested to the family and may be left at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson.

Raymond LeRoy Sims, son of Elmer and Zelia O’Neal Sims, was born on February 18, 1932 at Grand Junction, Iowa.  He grew up in the Grand Junction community, and attended school until 8th grade.

On Nov. 23, 1951, Raymond enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served in the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged November 22, 1955.

Ray was united in marriage with Marjorie Ann Pritchard on June 2, 1957 at Grand Junction, IA.  They were parents of two wonderful, daughters: Debbie Sims and Pete Sims-Russell.

Ray lived in Greene County throughout his adult life. He worked in several places in the auto industry, and became a custodian and school bus driver for the East Greene School District and also for the Jefferson Community School District.  He retired from the Chicago Rivet in 1997, and then became a master crafter of wood working along with his brother, Donald.

On Sept. 5, 2010 Ray Sims died at his home in Jefferson.  His father Elmer, mother Zelia, sister Darlene Palumbo, and brother Donald Sims preceded him in death

Survivors include his wife Marjorie of Jefferson, and their children, Debbie Sims of Carroll, IA and Pete & Duane Russell of Jefferson, IA; seven grandchildren: Chamaine Sims, Brandon Hingeley, and Kira & Chris Lyons, all of Carroll, IA;   Jeff & Amy Russell of Grimes, IA; Jeff & Krystal McHenry of West Des Moines, IA; and Kirk Russell, and Brittanie Russell, both of Jefferson, IA; and nine great grandchildren: Bennett, Donovan, Dominick, Wyatt, Raelynn, Mia, Makinlee, Gabriel, and Abigail.     

Also surviving are brother Richard Sims of Grand Junction, IA; sisters:  Shirley Clark of California; Betty Dixon of Virginia; Faye Clemons of Oregon; and Vicki Dillavou of Grand Junction, IA; sister-in-law Priss Sims; brother- in-law Jim Palumbo; and many nieces and nephews.