Freddie James Sims

Freddie James Sims, 85 was born July 15, 1938 in Mexico, MO to Fred Franklin Sims and Ida Lee (Terry) Sims. He passed away on November 20, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Arthur Sims and both wives Beverly Lee Sims and Tommie Dillard Sims. Nephew Samuel Cobb III, brother-in-laws Columbus Robins, Phillip Morris and sister-in-laws Marguerite Morris, Jackie Shackelford and Shirley Dillard.

At 12 years of age, Freddie accepted Christ in his life at Second Baptist Church in Mexico, MO and sung with the older brotherhood choir. He started working at Breckenridge Grocery, a neighborhood store doing odd jobs at 12 years old. When he was 16, his parents moved the family to Kansas City, MO. Freddie was a hard worker, never gave his parents any trouble and helped provide for the family. He graduated in 1957 from Central High School where he played basketball, ran track, and was in a singing group. After attending Kansas City Junior College he enlisted in the United States Army where he was a Squad Leader.

Freddie started working at Milgrams Grocery Store in Kansas City, MO at 16 where he was a sacker, checker and worked his way up to the First Black Store Manager in the Company. He developed the company’s Excellence in Sales Training Course and received the Highest Sales Award 4 years in a row. After 30 years of service with Milgrams, Freddie retired and started his own business Sims Janitorial Services. He was president of Midtown Kiwanis in the 1970’s. Freddie loved family, cars, sports and jazz music. You could often find him at home with a sports game on TV, the volume on mute and jazz music playing. He was a jokester. He liked to make you laugh and put a smile on your face. He also enjoyed eating and talking about food. He would often talk about and make plans on what he was going to eat next as soon as he finished his meal and would ask if there was a cold lemonade or sprite in the refrigerator.

Freddie leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter Micquelyne (Roosevelt) Rambo, his son Fredric (Rachel Jenkins) Sims, children Harold Ray (Theresa) Thomas, Chavohn Cogburn and Michael Dillard. Sisters Iwanna Robins, Betty Barnett, Toni (Marvin) Lewis. Loving companion Mary Ann Tisdale and special friend Deacon Johnny Cheatum. Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.