Leonard James (John) Sims was born on April 1, 1917, on the family farm southwest of Ladora to Miner and Myrtle Blair Sims. He was raised on the family farm and attended rural school. On May 1, 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in North Africa and Europe during World War II. Following his discharge in 1945 he returned to Ladora and operated the family farm. On September 7, 1952, he was married to Donna Ruth Shaull in Iowa City, Iowa. The couple lived in the Ladora area all of their married life. Besides farming he also worked for the Wilson-Sinclair Meatpacking Company in Cedar Rapids. He was a 60-year member of the Ladora American Legion and he was very patriotic. Enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. Survivors include his son, Bob Sims of Ladora; one grandson, Jeremy Johnson of Ladora; one granddaughter, Haylee Reif of Conroy; four great grandchildren, Emilee, Morgan, Mackenzie and Breigan Reif, all of Conroy; and one sister, Jennie Atkinson of Ladora. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one daughter, Linda Ann Johnson; five sisters, Edna Wyant, Ethel McClenathan, Dassie Maschmann, Ruth Kruse and Annie Matteson; and one brother, Ray Sims. Memorials may be directed to the Ohio Cemetery Association and sent in care of Bob Sims, 906 Main Street, Victor, Iowa.