of Maumelle, AR
October 23, 1942 - August 7, 2011
Jerry Michael Sims, 68, of Maumelle died Sunday, August 7, 2011. He was born October 23, 1942 in Little Rock, and was the son of the late G. K. and Mertie Thompson Sims. He was best known as the on air radio personality, Sonny Martin at KXLR, KARK, and KAAY. He then worked in television at KATV and KTHV as an announcer, reporter, and weatherman; then in advertising sales. After that, he worked as an advertising buyer for Hanks Fine Furniture.
For many years he was very active in Seniors Softball Tournaments Nationally with various teams and leagues throughout the state of Arkansas. He was inducted into the Arkansas Men's Softball Hall of Fame on July 2, 2011, following his daughter's induction into the Arkansas Women's Softball Hall of Fame the previous year.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Maumelle.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie Hays Sims; four sons, Mike Sims (Abby) of Bryant, Matthew Gunn of Fayetteville, Patrick Gunn and fiancée, Natalie Brannan of Maumelle and Kyle Gunn of Fayetteville; a daughter, Karen Sims of Denver, Colorado; a grandchild, Mia Sims; a sister, Jackie Craft (Ben) of Benton; a nephew, David Craft (Cindy) of Little Rock and niece, Melanie Cook (Kevin) of Huntsville, Texas.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501)224-8300.
The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 10, at First Baptist Church of Maumelle with Reverend Johnny Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be: Steve McNeil, Eddie Glover, Don Harris, Harlan Jensen, Bill Reed, and Don Haney. Honorary pallbearers will be: Milton Raabe, Bob Wooden, Carlie Brown, Fred Bedford, Aaron Summey, Dick Sippel and Jim Bodge.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Men's Softball Hall of Fame, 2506 Margaret Circle, Conway, Arkansas 72034 or the Maumelle Friends of Animals, P. O. Box 13061, Maumelle, Arkansas 72113.
Sign Guestbook
52 Condolence(s)
Tammye (and Benjamin) Hall
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Mrs. Leslie, We are just getting to know you and sorry that we were never able to meet Jerry also. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I know what it is like to have your world turned upside down, but such a tragic, unexpected loss I cannot imagine. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you, as I know the coming weeks and months will be hard. We look forward to being in your class this year.
Vicki Wallace
Monday, August 15, 2011
Dear Mrs. Leslie,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come.
Mack and Vicki Wallace (Wades parents)
Rita~Mary Roller Jones
Saturday, August 13, 2011
He will be missed. Although it's been decades since I last saw him last. . while working at KAAY in Little Rock, I never forgot him. His wonderful smile, and cordial manner was such a blessing to all who worked with him in broadcasting. My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rita-Mary Roller Jones
Brent Davis
Thursday, August 11, 2011
I was very sad to hear of Jerry's passing. I worked with him at Hank's. He was my fishing partner when a group of us went to Costa Rica. He was a fine gentleman. He will be greatly missed.
David Humphrey
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Mike and Karen
So sorry to learn today of your loss. I can still remember some of the incredibly funny and witty things that he said when we were kids long ago and laugh. I wish both of you peace during this difficult time.
Warmest regards,
Frankie Bates
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
My heart hurts for all of the family. Jerry was a true friend and a really cool guy. Loved his Smile, and his up-beat attitude. You ALL will be in thoughts and prayers. Now Jerry is reunited with GK and Mertie.. God Bless you all....
Frankie Bates
Steve and Evelyn Roberts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Our prayers are with you and your family. Jerry always had a smile and time to chat about activities. I know that he is missed by all but I am certain that he is playing on a championship team above.
Thanks for sharing him with us.
Steve
Doug Thompson
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sims Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. I played many softball games with Jerry over the years and feel blessed to be able to do so. Live in the memories of Jerry, his humor, his talent and his love of life.
Cassandra James
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie, my heart hurts for you right now! I wish I could be there for the service tomorrow. Know that I am thinking of you and my prayers are with you, the boys, Mia and the entire family! Sending lots of love your way! -Cassandra
Billie Lashbrook
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie and family:
So sorry to hear about your loss.........My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Thinking of you................
David Brown
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Dear Leslie & family,
Working with Jerry at KTHV channel 11 in the advertising sales department will always be the good old days for me. I will always remember Jerry as someone who was interested in others.
I am deeply sorry for your loss,
David Brown
Shelly Gober
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie, I just recently started working with you so I never got a chance to meet Jerry but everyone tells me he was a wonderful person. I just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Dennis and Cynthia Rowe
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. My daughter, Rachel, spoke so highly of Jerry. Our prayers are with you and your family. Dennis & Cynthia Rowe
Lisa Whitson
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mike, Mia and family,
You are in our prayers right now during this difficult time. I know you will miss your dad and Big Jer very much.
Mark, Lisa, Tori, Erin, Lindsey & Roger
Stacy Ringgold Lindsey
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mike and Karen -
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love to you both!
Lois Hargrove
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A true Southern Gentleman. After we worked on a Comcast advertising schedule, he would fill in the happenings since we had talked the month before. Little Mia, Karens surprise showing at his Hall of Fame induction, always with that special little laugh. His whole family was everything to him. Jerry, thank you for passing this way and touching lives!! To God be the Glory! Amen
Tina Bodiak
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie, dear: You and your family are in my prayers. May God, in his gracious way, give you strength facing the days ahead. May the love of your family and friends be an extension of God's arms wrapping you in His love and shared sorrow.
Patti Korehbandi
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Dear Leslie and Family,
I am sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and friend. You are in my prayers.
Patti
Richard Bell
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Amy Dutile
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Praying for your family and friends. It was a wonderful pleasure to work with Jerry the past 4 years.
Douglas Cook
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I have not seen Jerry since graduation at Ole Main 1960. My prayers go out for all the family and loved ones. He was a great school mate. Sad how our lives go in so many different direction yet are still remembered.
Pat Daly
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mike and Karen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was amazing. He will truly be missed.
Mandy Fenwick
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie-- I am thinking of you and your family. Sending you alot of love and prayers.
Rowena and Connor
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mike:
You and your family are in our prayers.
Connor and Ro
Barry McCorkindale
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
So sad to hear of Jerry's sudden passing. I'd only met him back in the spring, as we have a connection with the old KAAY, he being part of the glory days in the '60s, and me being with the station in its last days in the '80s, before the big format switch. I had two very delightful and extended conversations with him, and greatly regret that I won't be able to do that again. My deepest sympathy for the Sims family. Jerry was an exceptionally enjoyable person who will be missed by so many.
Wayne and Leilani Blue
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie and Mike,
Wayne and I are so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss Jerry very much. Just in the short time we have known him he was a friend to our family. He was a person who made you feel good to be around him. He was an excellent grandfather to our Little Mia.
We will miss you, Jerry.
Jim and Tammy Belknap
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie , and Boys sorry for your loss, we are praying for you.
Mary M. Legg
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jerry was such a good
guy. I'll always remember when he pushed me up the
hill! Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Aunt Mary & Buddy
The May Family
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie (aka Mimi),
I have always said to you, "we are so blessed that we have you and Jer Jer in our lives" Jer Jer will be missed but his memory will continue forever in us and around us!!!!
From,
Brad, Susan and Fisher (aka baby Fisher)
Mike Burgess
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Leslie and Family,
Jerry was an extraordinary human being who had a tremendous influence in my life specifically with regard to family. His words of wisdom to me and the love he expressed in our conversations for his family will stay with me for a lifetime. I am so very sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great friend and he will be missed by everyone he touched.
My thoughts and prayers,
Mike Burgess
Marianne Bailey Wilcox
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The class of 60 is just devastated by our loss of Jerry. ...so glad I got to visit with him at the reunion last year. My husband Frank was a friend of his from UCA days, and remembers him practicing his radio skills endlessly in the dorm. What a lovely man he was
Pat-Charles-Sherri Hopson
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
We will miss Jerry. He was always a pleasant person
to everyone, Kind Hearted.(Pat-Hanks Furniture)
He was a real competitor in our Senior Softball program.(Hoppy)
We will truely miss Jerry----
Larry Szurgot
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
To Jer's family sorry your sudden and unexpected loss. I can still remember our fast pitch softball days in the late 60's, and basketball, here in Saline county. He really loved his sports. I'm sure he is playing on the greatest team ever now.
Jenni Perry Floyd
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mike,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
David B. Treadway
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
To the family and friends of Jerry, great sympathy and love on behalf of all of us who remember him so fondly from KAAY. He was as tireless and positive on the air and around the station as he was in real life.
So long, Jerry--for you know we never say Goodbye in the radio business. Say hello to Buddy Karr, Pat Walsh, George Jennings, A.J. Lindsey, Barry Wood and Marvin Vines for us when you get Over There. We love you and we miss you!
Mia Sims
Monday, August 8, 2011
Big Jer I love you.I had a great time when you were around. You were the best grandpa ever.
Bud Stacey
Monday, August 8, 2011
Jerry, you swatted a home run, my friend...now The Father has a great player on His team. You were, and still are, a great friend. Thank you for your graciousness and hospitality. See you later.
Sims family, may God bless you and your family at this time, and forevermore.
Bud Stacey
sheila york
Monday, August 8, 2011
My thoughts are with you and the boys. I will be praying for you through this tough time. Love ya BFF
Jennifer Hunt Choate
Monday, August 8, 2011
Leslie, There are no words to convey how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Hunt Choate, Erin Hunt, Alex Hunt, and Kim Kaelin
Garry&Cindy Looney
Monday, August 8, 2011
Cindy & I had the privileged of meeting Jerry though his lovely sister Jackie. May God bless the entire family as go this hardship of losing a loved one, but knowing absent from the body is to present with the Lord.
Gail Russell
Monday, August 8, 2011
What a wonderful friend, classmate(7-12th grade). and fellow ball player. I played with Jerry and against him. He was always a gentleman and a fine Christian example. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the family.
Gail Russell
Mike & Lynn Zimmerebner
Monday, August 8, 2011
Big Jer, you were such a good man and loved by so many, so your sudden death has shaken us. But we know that you have passed through the Heavenly Gates and have seen the Glory for yourself. Your family celebrates you and all the lives that you touched while you were with us.
Until we meet again,
Mike & Lynn Zimmerebner & Nana
Wayne (Gator) Fields
Monday, August 8, 2011
A great guy to work and fish with. Rest easy Jerry.
Gator
John Nevener
Monday, August 8, 2011
Leslie and family,
very sorry to hear about your loss today. Jerry was a great guy during the years i worked with him and I know he will be missed. God definitely has another angel in heaven.
Our prayers are with you all.
Kim Scott
Monday, August 8, 2011
Karen,
They don't make them like "Big Jer" any more. I know he will be missed by many people. Ron and I are thinking of you and your family.
KP
Brenda Cooper
Monday, August 8, 2011
Oh the Birthdays we celebrated together, Christmas, Easter & Thanksgivings. Jerry will be missed by all of us. My prayers are for you Leslie, your Boys, Karen & Mike. Keep Jerry's memories in your heart. God has his loving arms around him now. Much love, Brenda, Scott, Leslie & Scott
Linda (Digby) McFarland
Monday, August 8, 2011
Jackie et al . . . I grew up with Jerry in Park Hill Baptist Church. My husband Bill and I went to school in NLR with Jerry all those years and graduated with him. Jerry and his family members were filled with Christian kindness. May God's Spirit fill you with His love during this time of your deep grief from Jerry's unexpected absence.
Ray and Trish Perkins
Monday, August 8, 2011
Leslie, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are hear for you if you need anything.
Greg and Judy Gingerich
Monday, August 8, 2011
Greg and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth McElroy
Monday, August 8, 2011
Leslie, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. Please know that you and the boys and all your family are in our prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Roland Pennington
Monday, August 8, 2011
Jerry was one of the best guys ever. Never had a bad word to say about anyone. He made others around him better. I was fortunate to actually play some ball with Jerry years ago and against him this year.. A great team-mate, player but by far a better man. I am so proud he was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year as his legacy will now live on forever. Heaven got a good one!
Shannon Stone
Monday, August 8, 2011
We are holding you all up in prayer during this difficult time. May you feel the arms of your loving Father holding you in a warm embrace. Love, The Stone Family