Jim Sims – President, Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course 2012 - 2017

The Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course are deeply saddened to report the passing of our fellow director and good friend Jim Sims.  Jim passed away quietly in the presence of his family on February 5, 2023.  He is survived by his wife Ginny, and his only son and family – Patrick, Jennifer, Liam and Conor.

Jim is a retired Colonel USMC of 26 years of service of command and staff positions to include a company command in Vietnam where he received a Bronze Star w/ V and a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.  During his career he received many more prestigious awards to include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal. 

After retiring from the Marine Corps, he enjoyed a second career in the civilian sector with senior management positions in the Washington State government and Time Oil Company.  He also served three terms as a Supervisor of the Mason County Conservation District, and for three years was a member of the Olympia City Planning Commission.

Jim has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Saint Marin’s University, and in 2000 was named the Saint Martin’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.  Most recently, he served as Chair of the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Commission and before that he was the Chair of the Veterans Legislative Coalition for many years.

Jim was, for many years, very active in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and became their National Commander in 2009 to 2010.  He then went on to serve on the Purple Heart Foundation where he became the Chair in 2021.  His other veteran related, long time passion was volunteering at the American Lake Veterans Golf Course where he eventually became the President of their 501c3, the Friends of the American Lake Veterans Golf Course from 2012 to 2017 and was responsible for the funding and construction of the new Jack Nicklaus back nine holes.  Donations can be made to the Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course in his memory.