John L. Sims was born on September 13, 1946 to Alice McGinnis and Ralph “Curly” Sims in Topeka, KS. He is survived by his daughter’s, Laurell Sims and Malia Nace, son-in-law, Jason Nace, grandson’s Sam Barouch, Jackson Nace, and Joel Nace, sister Jody Bigler, and her family, Jeni Jeffrey, Haley Jeffrey, Luke Bigler (Jennifer Bigler), and Bella Craig.

John graduated from Topeka High School, served in the US Marine Corps, and attended Washburn University where he began his life’s calling as a drug and alcohol counselor. For nearly 20 years at Sims-Kemper Clinical Counseling and Recovery Center, he helped thousands of folks on their recovery journey. John passion was to help heal and change the trajectory of the lives he touched.

John’s family will miss the twinkle in his eyes and his endless yarns. He lived a big life because he embraced the beauty of uncertainty and acknowledged that life’s magic often resides in its unpredictability. Johnny Lee lived with effervescent optimism; finding glimmers wherever he roamed.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Midland Hospice House in Topeka for their compassionate care during John’s final days.

If you would like to honor John’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to VETS at vetsolutions.org. Semper Fi.