JOHN DELBERT SIMS,

86, of North Little Rock, passed away on May 10, 2020. He was born on May 10, 1934 in Los Angeles, California to DeMet and Mary (Cvengros) Sims.

John graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California, and then attended Loyola University in Los Angeles, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1956. He joined the Air Force upon graduation, serving for thirty years as a C-130 pilot. John fell in love with and married Mary Alice Bohlke, the love of his life, in October 1959. She accompanied him on all his stateside assignments plus overseas assignments to Evreux, France; Naha, Okinawa; and Rhein Main Air Base, Germany. Upon retirement, John continued his connection with the Air Force as site manager for the C-130 training facility on Little Rock Air Force Base. After retirement, John kept busy with many volunteer activities. He loved assisting other retirees during his Thursday afternoons working at the base pharmacy. He also shared his love of education by tutoring young students through the Encouragers program. John was also very involved at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, of 55 years. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Beth Farnum and husband John of Troy, Michigan; his son, John DeMet Sims and wife Kelley of Little Rock; and grandchildren, Kimberly Trombly and husband Joshua, David Farnum, and Daphne Sims.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave, Staten Island, N.Y. 10305. Visitation will be 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020, followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m., at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Covid 19 directives: face coverings at all times and maintain social distancing. Online guest registry at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.