Thomas Gordon Sims, 92, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 3:49 am in I.U. Health Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN.

 

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 am Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN. Visitation will be from 10:30am - 11:30 am Friday in the funeral chapel.

 

Born in Chicago on October 22, 1929 one of 4 children of William and Helen Sims who became U.S. Citizens after immigrating from England and Sweden. Tom graduated from Chicago Vocational College, married Rhoda Ann, served in the US Army, and received his Masters from DePaul University while teaching in Chicago. For several decades he was the Athletic Director at Harper High School. As a former wrestler, he was asked to coach the wrestling team, then the track team and football. “Coach Sims” entertained his teacher friends and families at his beach home on Lake Michigan. Tom came home to a loving family after long days of teaching. Tom served as the Town Board President in Beverly Shores for one term, then served as the President of the Zoning Board for two terms.

 

After retiring from teaching he became a crafty Landlord by fixing up older homes and renting them. He was very benevolent to his tenants during hard times and showed his kindness to others.

 

The surviving family includes two sons, Patrick and Christopher Sims; five grandchildren, Brittany Fox, Chase Meyer, Zack Sims, and Brett and Cory Sims; and six great-grandchildren, Emma and Owen Fox, Amelia Sims, Penelope and Leo Sims and Aarah Sims.

 

Tom was preceded in death by his brother Bobby; both parents; his daughter Suzanne; his wife Rhoda Ann; and his brother Donald.

 

Tom loved boating, fishing and taking his wife out for date nights weekly.

 

Contributions may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.