Ralph E. Sims

WILMINGTON—Ralph E. Sims, 63, of Wilmington, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Loyola University Foster G. McGaw Medical Center in Maywood.
Born July 14, 1954 in Kankakee, Ralph Edward was a son of Permenus Benjamin “Ben” and Dorothy Mae (Johnson) Sims. He was raised in Bradley and graduated from Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School with the class of 1972. On June 22, 1974 Ralph married Anna Jackson in the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington. Together they made their home and raised their family in Wilmington.
Throughout the years, Ralph’s interests included fishing, hunting and spending time boating on the Kankakee River. He also took great pleasure in attending auctions and garage sales. His grandchildren however, were of most importance, and Ralph cherished the time spent with each of them.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Anna; two daughters, Susan (Bill) Widlacki, of Braidwood and Carley (Kris) Neese, of Wilmington; four grandchildren: Johnny, Ally, Lilly and Samantha; six siblings: Dorothy “Cookie” Bobbitt, of California; Charles Sims, of Limestone; Bobby (Beth) Sims, of Greenup; Stella (Dale) Edelman, of Wisconsin and David (Donna) Sims and Ernie (Terri) Sims, both of Bradley; his sister-in-law, Mary (the late Randall) Melvin, of Wilmington and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Edna and Doris; one brother, Ron; his nephew, Billy Melvin and his father and mother-in-law, Melvin and Helen Jackson.
Per Ralph’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and there will be no services.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ralph’s memory to Shriners International, 550 N. Shriners Drive, Addison, IL 60101-1444 or to the Kankakee County Humane Foundation, 2214 IL-1, St. Anne, IL 60964.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Ralph’s memorial page online by logging onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com.
Green flameless cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Rd. in Wilmington.