Thomas J. Sims

SIMS, Thomas J., age 70, lost his battle with cancer on April 19, 2006. Tom was born on September 17, 1935 in Schenectady, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J. and Dorothy E. Sims; his sister Susan J. Parker and his brother John “Jack” W. Sims. Tom graduated from high school in Schenectady, New York and enlisted in the US Air Force, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was a Korean War Veteran. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics Engineering from St. Louis University, Park College of Aeronautical Technology in 1961 and a Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton in 1976. Tom’s career included over 49 years of work dedicated to advancement of turbine engine technology research and development for the US Air Force. He retired in 1997 as the Chief of the Aero Propulsion and Power Directorate’s Turbine Engine Division, Air Force Research Laboratories. He was the recipient of numerous awards and medals for his work efforts and helped develop engine systems for various aircraft including the F-15, F-16, B-1, B-2, F-117, C-5, C-17, F-22, and F-35 engine systems. He was the originator of the biennial Air Force symposium on turbine engine advance development. He was a co-winner of the 1990 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Air Breathing Propulsion Award for his distinguished contributions and leadership in establishing Joint Air Force/Navy Technology Programs. His efforts were instrumental in the development of power plants for Advanced Fighter Aircraft. He also received the Department of the Air Force Meritorious and Exceptional Civilian Service Awards in 1990 and 1997, respectively. In 1998, he received the Outstanding Engineers and Scientist Award from the Affiliate Societies Council for his technical leadership on the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) program. Since 1997, he was a Senior Program Manager leading the strategic planning for the Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines (VAATE) and High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) programs. He loved his work and was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed playing golf with family and friends—he especially enjoyed the golf trips with Bob, Dick and Bill. He was a dedicated civil servant, loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother and uncle who was respected and loved by many. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jean J. (Hamilton) Sims, three daughters Theresa (Terry) K. Jones and her husband Keith, Tracy H. Soukup and her husband John, and Amy E. Lewis and her husband Jasyn; his brother, Mike; three grandsons Johnathan T. Sims, Ian J. Soukup, Connor A. Lewis, one great grandson Jasper A. Sims, six nieces and nephews as well as his ever faithful dog, Max. Tom was a member of Ascension Church, Twin Base Golf Course, season ticket holder for the UD Flyers and a Bengal fan. Tom’s technical capability, dedication to his country, and sense of humor will be missed by all. Services will be held at Ascension Church, 2025 Woodman Dr., Kettering, Monday, 10:30 AM, April 24, 2006 with Father Chris Worland officiating. Burial in Greenville Twp. Memorial Gardens, Greenville, OH. Friends may call on Sunday from 2-4:00 PM at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering. The family appreciates all the prayers from his many friends and requests in lieu of flowers, donation in Tom’s memory be made to the “Tom Sims Golfing/Engineering Student Scholarship” checks payable to Tom Sims Scholarship Fund/UTC, 1270 North Fairfield, Dayton, OH 45432. Condolences may also be sent to the family via the website at www.routsong.com.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Road
Centerville, OH
US 45459