J. B. Sims
April 12, 1939 - August 20, 2026
J.B. Sims, 87, of Dewey, Oklahoma, passed away on August 20, 2026. He was born April 12, 1939, in Binger, Oklahoma, to Bennie Andrew and Mary Alma (Thompson) Sims.
J.B. grew up in Oklahoma as the oldest of six children born to Bennie and Mary Alma. His siblings were Gene, Patricia, Opal, Gerald, and Thelma, and he also had an older half-brother, J.D.
As a young man, J.B. met Wanda Lee Robertson, the girl who would become his lifelong companion. They were high school sweethearts and married on July 3, 1959, at Gracemont Methodist Church in Gracemont, Oklahoma. Their young love became a marriage that spanned more than six decades. On July 3, 2026, J.B. and Wanda celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Wanda has always described J.B. as both her "high school sweetheart" and her "soulmate."
J.B. and Wanda began their married life in Oklahoma City and later spent approximately six months in New Mexico before returning to Oklahoma City. In June 1970, they moved their family to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where they made their home, raised their children, worked, and built a life together.
J.B. spent many years at Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville, where he was the director of the Respiratory Therapy Department. His career reflected his dedication, leadership, and commitment to patient care, as well as the hard work he put into providing for his family. He was also associated with the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association.
Family was at the heart of J.B.'s life. Together, he and Wanda raised three children: Rhonda Kay, Randy Jay, and Steven Wade. Over the years, their family continued to grow, bringing J.B. the joy of becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather.
J.B. and Wanda enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending their winters in the Texas Valley, where they took part in numerous music jams each week. During their time in the Valley, they also volunteered with a church group to help build homes in Mexico. J.B. especially enjoyed restoring his pride and joy - a 1950 Ford given to him by Ida Mae Coburn - with his son Randy. Above all, he treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.
J.B. is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Wanda Lee (Robertson) Sims; his daughter, Rhonda Kay (Sims) Bassett and her husband, Dan Bassett; his son, Randy Jay Sims and his wife, Christine (Schultz) Sims; and his son, Steven Wade Sims and his wife, Sherry (Mabie) Sims.
He is also survived by his grandchildren and their families: Devin Peugh and children Kahler, Emily, and Kayla Henry and children Khloe, Kamille, Kenneth (Kruz), Kordelia, and Kozette; Tyler Sims and children Layne and Mila; Dylan Sims and children Syrus and Blakely; Brittney Smith and son Holden; and Jessica Larson and daughters Faithlyn, Braelyn, and Madelyn.
J.B. also embraced the extended family who became part of his life through his children's marriages, including Chase Kirby and his sons, Carson and Channing; Cierra Kirby and her son, Elias; Nicole Harker; and Ashley Kendrick.
He is also survived by his siblings Gene Sims of Anadarko, Oklahoma; Patricia Harris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Opal Fremin of Lawton, Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Andrew and Mary Alma (Thompson) Sims; his siblings Gerald Sims and Thelma Aylett; and his older half-brother, J.D. Sims.
J.B.'s legacy can be found in far more than the years he lived or the work he accomplished. It lives in the family he and Wanda built together, in the generations that followed them, in the people he helped throughout his career, and in a love story that began between two high school sweethearts and lasted a lifetime.
After 67 years of marriage, Wanda's high school sweetheart was still her soulmate—and the life they built together will remain part of their family's story for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers, donations in J.B.'s memory can be made to: The Journey Home, 900 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006.
Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel, 113 S. Osage Ave., Dewey, OK 740029, 918-534-3030.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Highland Park Baptist Church in Bartlesville. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.
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