John C. Sims, Jr, born April 14, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, lifted off peacefully in his sleep on September 29, 2026. He was known by many family and friends as Jay, Pop to his kids, and Pappa to his grandchildren. Born to John and Gladys Sims, he grew up in Rockville Centre, New York with his parents and younger brother, Parker. It is also where he met his sweetheart, Linda, who he lovingly called ‘Limber’. They were married in 1964, beginning one of history’s truest love stories.

Jay attended Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania where he studied history, took part in the Army’s Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation and went on to serve his country in Vietnam where he was promoted to first lieutenant before leaving service. Following his return to civilian life, he and Linda headed west and found themselves living in Lafayette, California where they welcomed daughter, Heather and son, David. A few years later, Jay took his family to Southern California where they settled permanently in Dana Point.

A veteran traveller, he was often happiest when he was on the road, be it on family road trips or travelling for work. His 40-year sales career took him all over the US, including all 50 states, and his name was known by many in nearly every corner of the country. His knowledge of America’s highways and byways was legendary leading friends and family to seek his advice for hidden gems on where to eat, what to see and how to get there. Everyone knew they’d be in for a treat with whatever he suggested. He also knew the best places to grab a good beer no matter what city you were in and was known for his taste, and descriptions, of the world’s most unique brews.

Jay was an avid historian and after retiring from his successful career, he went back to his study of history with a twist on genealogy. He said that he liked standing in the footsteps that one of his ancestors had once stood in to get a feel for their life. He first discovered his passion for his personal lineage at age 16 when he learned that his great-great-uncle, Page Tallman, had served the Union Army during the Civil War. His study continued to reveal a host of historical connections, and each new discovery made him feel more closely connected with those who made up his past and his present.

He also owned his own piece of history, a cherished 1956 Chrysler Imperial Southampton, the same style of ride that he drove in high school and college, and that he drove his wife in on dates during the 1960s. He was still driving his prized Imperial in recent months.

As his wonderful story now ads to his family’s rich lineage, Jay is survived by his wife, Linda, his brother, his two kids, four grandkids and just recently, two great grandkids, who he was able to welcome to the family this year.

Finally, Jay was a proud American and regularly contributed to the Tunnel to Towers foundation, the national non-profit that provides mortgage free housing to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders. Those wishing to donate can find more information at https://t2t.org.

Services for Jay will be held Saturday, October 10, at 1:00pm at 25000 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills.