John Simms Obituary

On Friday, May 2, 2025, John Tobias Simms, 80, peacefully left this earth, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, hard work, and adventure. Born in England, to Cecil and Gladys Simms, John was raised around the family's newspaper agency, a business founded by his grandfather, Arthur Simms. From an early age, he contributed to both the family business and his Aunt Violet's dairy farm-delivering newspapers by motorcycle and helping with farm work-experiences that shaped his lifelong work ethic. Fascinated by the international newspapers his parents' shop specialized in, John developed a keen interest in the world and a lifelong love of Mars bars. He began his career with an apprenticeship in machine tools and later earned a degree in mechanical and electrical engineering from Northeastern University. A resident of Greenville these past fifty years, John leaves behind his beloved family, his daughter, Kimberly Jane Gibbs and her husband Jeremy, also their children, Skyler and Jordan of Greenville, SC; his son Nicholas Dana Simms and his wife Maria, also their children, Dax and Britton of Greenville, SC; and numerous extended British family members and his brother-in-law, Jim Rhea. He was widowed a decade ago, having lost his beloved second wife, Jan Rhea, to cancer. Despite life's challenges, John was known for his sharp wit, captivating stories, and warm personality. John instilled in his children a strong work ethic and curiosity, values he carried throughout his life. A seasoned traveler and entrepreneur, he founded and led several successful machine tool sales companies. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, John especially looked forward to his annual horseback hunting trips to Colorado. He loved his chocolate labs and his days at his lake house on Keowee. He also brought a taste of his homeland to the Upstate as the founder of Churchill's English Pub Club, the first local bar to serve Guinness and Bass on draft-an establishment that helped shape the area's restaurant culture. In addition to his children and grandchildren, John is survived by his first wife Pauline Magee, his brothers Roger and Trevor Simms; and his niece and nephews: Sarah, Richard, and Jonathan Simms. He was preceded in death by his brother Frank A. Simms (2018). John will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit and love of family. John Tobias Simms was a generous man who supported charities and local giving throughout his life in Greenville. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of John T. Simms can be made to the Metropolitan Arts Council via check to 16 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29601 or online at https://www.greenvillearts.com/donate/ Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of John with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory."