On Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, the Lord saw fit to call Richard Jerome Sims, from labor to reward. He was born on February 17, 1955 in Rice, Virginia to Rebecca Sims Webster and William Johnson.

Richard, affectionately call Butch or Jap, was baptized and joined High Bridge Baptist Church in Rice at an early age. He received his education through Prince Edward County Public School System, where he played basketball and was a\the star player of his team. In 1976, after graduation, Richard joined the United States Army.

Richard was united in Holy Matrimony to Ethel Craft, who preceded him in death. He was also predeceased by: his parents, Rebecca S. Webster and William Johnson; two sisters, Thelma L. Sims and Brenda A. Sims; and one nephew, Dwaine E. Sims.

He leaves to cherish precious memories: two sisters, Rita Bland and Karen Hurt (Rev. James E. Hurt, Jr.); one brother, Wayne Sims (JoAnn Sims) all of Rice, VA; one aunt, Grace Fowlkes of Farmville, VA; five nephews; eight nieces; and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends; a devoted friend of the family, Victor “Bill” Jenkins and his grandson, General Dakota Jenkins. Richard and Bill had a special bond, where they even gave each other nicknames. Richard was “Buckwheat” and Bill was “Spanky”. Richard will be missed by everyone who saw him sitting on the bench at Jenkins Blue and Gray.