Justin “Keith” Sims, age 58, of Elwood, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. Keith was born on September 13, 1960, in Elwood to James K. “Kenny” and Elva “Bonnie” (Voris) Sims. He graduated from Elwood Community High School and Hinds Vocational School in 1978 in Machine Tool and Die following the footsteps of his father who was also a skilled Machinist.
Keith worked as a Machinist at various places, mainly at Yorktown Tool & Die, Fred’s Frozen Foods and finally, Sims Machine and Tool. The youngest of five children and the only son, Keith had the daunting task of living with three different development stages of sisters at every moment of his life. Nonetheless, he survived and grew up as a proud son to his parents and developed the ability to stand his ground.
He developed negotiating skills like making rules to fair fighting, being empathetic, and resigned to always being the last one in line to the bathroom. He had fast motorcycles and fast classic cars that he was always working on, often to the disdain of his father, where Dad’s tools were never where Dad could find them. He was also very creative.
As a adult, he could build or fix just about anything and would show his creative artistry at Christmas with unique handmade Christmas gifts. He would share his talent of humor, being very pragmatic, and sharing on occasion, his strong lyrical, baritone voice at karaoke or singing along to the radio to family and friends. After the passing of his father, Keith became the head of the household and assisted his mother in all aspects property maintenance, updating and remodeling the large family home.
He enjoyed the creativity and challenge of remodeling old houses and building decks. He could always be counted on to help with major projects at the request of his sisters with their houses, asking only in return for his efforts, good food, ice cold beers and a little cash. As years have gone by and dementia began to shape mother’s life, Keith became her primary caregiver giving back to her all the care and attention she gave to raising him attending all of her needs until his death.
Keith is survived by his loving mother, Elva “Bonnie” Sims of Elwood, Sister, Vicky (Glen) Ryan of Elwood, IN, Sister, Sherry (John) Pace of Elwood, Sister, Terry (John) Stigall of Bloomington, Several nieces & nephews Keith was preceded in death by his Father, James K. Sims, Sister, Kem Hicks. Funeral service celebrating Keith’s life will be on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Dunnichay Funeral Home in Elwood with Father Dan Duff officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday two hours prior to the service from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Online condolences can be given at www.
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