Joseph Francis Sims

Joseph Francis "Joe" Sims passed away on May 29, 2025, at Trident Hospital in North Charleston due to complications from multiple myeloma. He was 73.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM, Friday, June 13, 2025, at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway. The Rite of Committal with Military Honors will be held 12:00 PM, Monday, June 16, 2025, at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort.

Joe was raised in Larchmont, New York and later followed his oldest brother to The Citadel, where he graduated in 1974. He went on to earn a master's degree in education from The Citadel as well. After serving two years in the U.S. Air Force, Joe began a lifelong career as a special education teacher at College Park Elementary, where he touched countless lives.

Joe's passion for astronomy inspired him to start an astronomy club at the school, organizing student trips to Cape Kennedy and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. A highlight of his life was meeting and conversing with astronaut Neil Armstrong. Joe was a frequent visitor to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona - a place close to his heart.

Joe also had a deep love for history, especially the Civil War era around Charleston. He was fascinated by the story of the Confederate submarine Hunley and was a proud member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Outside the classroom, Joe devoted his time to volunteering at Mepkin Abbey, Middleton Place, and The James Island Regatta Club. He had a generous heart, a quirky spirit and a fierce independence. Joe avoided flying whenever possible, preferring to drive cross country on his many adventures.

Though he never married, Joe cherished children, especially his three nieces, one nephew and their nine children. He had a great affection for classic movies of the 1940's and '50's and was a lifelong fan of Laurel and Hardy.

Joe was predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his two brothers, John and Bill; his nieces and nephew; six grandnephews and three grandnieces. He was a unique, funny and beloved soul and he will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lowell Observatory, 1400 West Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.