Samuel J. Sims

Samuel J. Sims, 79, died May 13, 2013 at home. Prior to his treatment for soft tissue sarcoma, which began in December 2012, Sam was actively engaged in his geology consulting, playing tennis at SVCC, and traveling regularly with Myrna to the west coast and to Europe. Sam was born February 20, 1934 in Los Angeles, the son of Roxey and Oscar Sims. He graduated from Coachella Valley Union High School near his hometown of Indio, CA in 1951. He earned a B.S. degree from Caltech in 1955, a M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1957, and a Ph.D. from Stanford in 1960, all in geology. Sam worked for Bethlehem Steel as a geologist in the Mining Department from 1960 to 1985, having living assignments in Gabon, Brazil and Mexico and work assignments around the world. He and Myrna were married in Gabon in 1961.

From 1985 to November 2012, he worked as an independent consulting geologist, mainly in the chemical and commercial stone industry in southeastern Pennsylvania. He was a fellow of the Geological Society of America, the Society of Economic Geologists, and a member of the Society of Mining Engineers.

Besides Myrna, his wife of 51 years, he is survived by his daughters Janet L. Patterson, wife of Brad Patterson of Morristown, NJ, and Sandra J. Sims, companion of Ron Fischer, of Golden, CO. He was the beloved Sampa to Declan and Ada Patterson. Sam was predeceased by three sisters; Jocelyn Pickens, Wanda Mayfield, and Donna Martin.

Private arrangements are being handled by Connell Funeral Home. Contributions may be made in Sam's memory to St. Luke's Hospice, Attention Development Office, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, 18015.

Online condolences may be made at www.connellfuneral.com

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531