Benjamin Augustus Sims

On Monday, January 30, 2023, Benjamin Augustus Sims quietly passed from his earthly existence to rejoin the love of his life and wife, Kathy (Kathryn Louise Orr). Ben and Kathy were married for 58 years and will be reunited with 2 daughters, Sherill Lynn, who died in her infancy in 1965, and Tracie Lynn who died in 1989 at the age of 19.

He is survived by his 3 children, Benjamin, Barbara, and Joanne; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Ben was born on December 12, 1939, in Morton, Mississippi. Ben grew up with a love of books, which he read voraciously, and along with his younger brother, Jerry, enjoyed watching “Gorgeous George” and other professional wrestlers on TV. Sundays he would ride his bike across town to listen to the local pastor’s morning sermon.

In 1956, he joined The National Guard and served as a Guardsman for 10 years until 1966 when he transitioned to active duty in the Army, serving for 32 years until retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was a Company Commander in Vietnam, during the Tet Offensive of 1968, and was awarded, among many other citations and distinctions, The Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Master Parachutists Badge.

While living in Phoenix, Arizona, he me Kathy on a blind date, and that blossomed into a romance which led to their marriage in Scottsdale, Arizona on April 21, 1962. In 1970, they were visited by missionaries and were baptized a few months later into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. About a year later, Ben decided to apply to law school and in 1974 graduated from The University of Arizona College of Law, with a Juris Doctor degree. After completing Judge Advocate General’s School at The University of Virginia, he spent the rest of his Army career as a JAG officer. When he retired from the Military, he settled in Ogden, where he soon sat as a Chief Judge for The Utah Industrial Commission until 2001. Both he and Kathy would later serve in a service mission as job placement specialist for the Church.

Ben was defined by his humor, optimism, and compassion for others. He would spend his Sundays with his large, extended family recounting stories from his youth, punctuated with humorous jokes. His greatest challenge, and his brightest moments were shared when Kathy developed Alzheimer’s. His absolute love and devotion to her in the final years of her life as he cared for her, is a strong reminder to his family and friends of their love, devotion, and dedication to each other.

So, “Great-Grandpa”, “Grandpa”, and “Dad”, until we meet again, we bid you to echo your words “a fondue”.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am Friday, February 3, 2023, at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary, 869 South 2000 West, Syracuse, Utah 84075. Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Thursday, February 2, 2023, and Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:30am at the Mortuary.

Interment will be at the Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road, South Ogden, Utah 84403.

Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com