Garland Sims 1948-2025

Mr. Sims, affectionately known as “Ga Ga,” was born May 5, 1948, in Youngstown, a son of James Cofield and Ada Sims.

He was a 1967 graduate of South High School. After graduation, Garland joined the U. S. Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam era.

After returning from the military, he worked for over 30 years as a service lineman for Ameritech, retiring in the early 2000s.

He was a member of the Buckeye Elks I.B.P.O.E. of W. Garland was known for taking photos all over the city and various events, especially “Jazz in the Park.” He loved photography, bike riding, computers, reading and going to the flea market. Family and friends were very important to Garland. You would often see him hanging with his buddies at the McDonald’s on Fifth Avenue. If there was a family event you could bet that he’d be there, camera in hand to capture the moments.

He leaves to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life and legacy his daughters, Maxine D. Sims and Christine M. Sims, both of Columbus; a granddaughter, Zuri N. Sims of Columbus; siblings, Bruce “Butch” (Dorothy) Sims of Youngstown, Willie Thomas of Mississippi, Jeffrey Cofield and DeWayne Reynolds both of Dayton, Isaac “Glenn” Cofield of Indiana and Denise Reynolds-Heath of Michigan; two aunts, Lela Graham and Merdice “Jean” (Walter) Shepherd both of Dayton; two uncles, John (Bernice) Cofield of Texas and Garland Sims (his namesake) of Youngstown; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Cofield; mother, Ada Merchant; sister, Debra Jones Moore; and grandparents, George “Dewey” and Florence Sims.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service will follow at noon.

(special notice)