Kenneth H. Sims of Charles Town, WV, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and cousin, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020. He was born April 16, 1927 in Jane Lew, WV to George W. and Mary Lottie (Butcher) Sims.
It was in Jane Lew where he began his lifelong passion for athletics, as player, coach and fan. A supporter of all sports, Ken especially loved the WVU Mountaineers, the NY Yankees and Jefferson cougar baseball.
Ken excelled in all sports and in his high school basketball career scored over 1500 points – in an era in which there was no three-point goal, a long standing WV state record. During his senior year Ken was recruited by several colleges, and received a letter of interest from the St. Louis Cardinals, signed by then general manager, Branch Rickey. He instead accepted an athletic scholarship extended by Coach Ira (Rat) Rogers from WVU. In June 1945, the month he graduated high school, he was drafted into the Navy and served in the Construction Battalion in Port Hueneme, CA and Pearl Harbor, HI.
Following his honorable discharge he decided to join his lifelong friends at Potomac State College and excelled on both the football and basketball teams. He finished college at West Virginia Tech where he starred on the basketball team.
After graduating in 1950 he began his teaching and coaching career at Charlton County High School in Folkston, GA. He returned to WV in fall of 1953 as the all-sports coach and athletic director of Green Bank High School. In his eight seasons there he led four undefeated football teams, losing only seven games in all eight seasons.
In 1961 Ken accepted the position of head football coach and athletic director at Charles Town High School; he was also an assistant for basketball, baseball and track. He worked at Shenandoah Downs during this time. In 1963, Ken was chosen as a “West Virginia Centennial Sports Great.” In 1965 Ken was recruited to help launch the US Job Corps program near Harpers Ferry allowing him to remain involved with education. He ultimately served as their Chief of Vocational Training for 25 years until he retired.
Ken’s extensive civic leadership spanned several decades. He served as lector for St. James Catholic Church for 20 years. He was active in numerous charitable activities. For decades, Ken was a dedicated member of Lions International, receiving many awards for his contributions. He was instrumental in their support of the development of the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival. He served offices including President and Deputy District Governor and for decades chaired the Sight Conservation program. Elected to the Jefferson County Board of Education, Ken served for 12 years as President his last four years until 1984. He officiated high school football and basketball games as a member of the Winchester Officials Association for 20 years and was on the Board of Directors of Edge Hill Cemetery, serving as treasurer for many years following his retirement.
Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Yonnie (Colobrese) Sims; daughters, Kathy L. Sims (partner Mike Wiltshire) and Bett Sims of Charles Town, and Barbara S. Harman (husband Bill) of Kearneysville; granddaughters Greta C Harman (husband Matt Spencer) of Silver Springs, Md, and Chloe G. Harman of Charles Town; surrogate daughter Nancy G. Broadley; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and close family friends Stan Hawrot, John Lowery, Jack Leslie and Marge and Archie Smith.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his precious 17 month old son, Kenneth H. Sims, II, and all nine beloved brothers and sisters; Hazel Kelly, Pearl Sims, George Sims, Opal Groves, William (Bill) Sims, Harold E. (Gene) Sims, Frances (Bally) Sims, Maxine Davis and John P. (Jack ) Sims.
Due to COVID-19, a family Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Charles Town. Ken’s life will be celebrated at a future event. Private graveside rites will be Wednesday at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Thomas, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made in Ken’s honor to the Cougar Baseball Team, c/o Wendy Dodson, Treasurer Jefferson Baseball Boosters, 951 Harry Shirley Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430. Condolences may be expressed at www.eackles-spencerfuneralhome.com
