Edward J. Sims

Springfield – Dr. Edward J. Sims, 82, died at Mercy Medical Center on January 24, 2010. Born in New Britain, CT he received a New York State Regents Diploma from Johnstown, NY High School and degrees from Springfield College, the State University at Albany and Columbia University. During WWII he made thirty-two crossings of the Atlantic Ocean with the U.S. Merchant Marines. Dr. Sims was a member of the English faculty at Springfield College for thirty-nine years serving as department chair, coordinator of the Division of General Studies and Distinguished Professor of Humanics. He published a number of books and many journal articles and was a co-founder and former president of the Sport Literature Association. At Springfield he was among the first instructors in Learning in Later Life, a program for seniors. He was a supporter of the Springfield Symphony for over twenty-five years. He is survived by a sister Rose and her husband Walter of Johnstown, NY and a brother John of Bristol, CT, and many nieces and nephews, his companion of thirty-four years Paul Kenney, and a multitude of friends within the Springfield area and across the country. He was an avid tennis player and made many friends at the Ludlow Tennis Club, Springfield Tennis Club and The Holyoke Canoe Club. The funeral will be private with no services or calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield College Alumni Fund, 263 Alden St., Springfield, MA 01109 or to Springfield Preservation Trust, Inc., 74 Walnut St., Springfield MA 01105. A memorial service will be held at a later date. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.nefcc.net .