Bobby Joe Sims

Bobby Joe Sims of Arlington, Texas passed away Saturday, March 4, 2017. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Sunday, April 2 at North Davis Church of Christ, Arlington, Texas. In lieu of flowers, Bobby Joe requested memorials be given in his honor to Global Samaritan Resources (PO Box 3431 Abilene, Texas 79604). Bobby Joe was born August 18, 1932 in Texarkana, Arkansas. He was raised in Texarkana where he graduated high school. He graduated Freed Hardeman College, received his Master's Degree from Murray State University, and his Ph. D. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University. He taught Political Science and Government at the University of Southern California, Pepperdine University, Murray State University, Abilene Christian University, and Texas Christian University. He was voted most popular teacher by the Murray State student body numerous times and he received the commission of Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. Bobby Joe was a member of North Davis Church of Christ where he was a popular Bible class teacher. He taught and wrote extensively on the Holy Spirit, C.S. Lewis, and The Psalms. He had preached since his teenage years and was often asked, even well into his eighties, to speak, teach, and perform weddings and funerals. He and his wife Olivia owned Texas Educational Services, a pre-licensing education company. He wrote and published an extensive book and developed courses equipping students to pass Texas insurance licensing exams. TES is proud of its near 100% student exam pass rate. Bobby Joe was a true intellectual, a voracious reader, a great thinker, and possessed an incredible memory. He was a lover of people and practiced the greater themes of the Character of God: love, justice, mercy, forgiveness, acceptance, and grace. He did not look down on anyone, instead believing all people should be lifted up. Bobby Joe was predeceased by his father, Paul Sims, and his mother Maggie Sims and a grandson, Aaron Paul Sims. He is survived by his wife, Olivia of Arlington, Texas. After he passed she wrote, “My love, my best friend and soul mate, I miss him terribly. B.J. was one of a kind. What a zest for life he had and was so full of life and love it was contagious. To be with B.J. was always exciting! I'm so grateful for the 31 years we had together. He taught and was an inspiration to so many. I keep listening for his voice. I cannot believe he is gone but I know I will see him again.” He is survived by his children: David Sims and wife Nan of Douglasville, Georgia; Philip Sims and wife Leigh of Haskell, Texas; Patty Traweek and husband David of Riesel, Texas; Perry Sims and wife Audrey of Lubbock, Texas; Danny Sims and wife Suzanne of Abilene, Texas; Lesley Cano and husband Noah of Arlington, Texas; Paula Morris and husband Alex Garcia of Plano, Texas. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Eaton and husband Gerald of Texarkana, Arkansas, and a large crowd of loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.