House Resolution 90

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING MR. JERRY SIMS FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL SUCCESS IN BUSINESS AND OUTSTANDING LEGACY IN TRACK AND FIELD AT ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY.

WHEREAS, as a successful businessman and extraordinary student-athlete at Alcorn State University, Mr. Jerry Sims has forged a legacy that will always be remembered; and

WHEREAS, a 1973 graduate of Alcorn State University, Mr. Sims accepted a football scholarship to Alcorn in 1969, from legendary Hall of Fame football coach, Marino "The Godfather" Casem, but, four years later, he departed Alcorn as a world-record-holding track and field student-athlete under the tutelage of Hall of Fame track and field coach, Dr. Grant "Babe" Dungee; and

WHEREAS, in 1971, Mr. Sims became the co-holder of the world record in the 60-meter indoor dash, with a time of 5.9 during a meet at Northwestern University, and he set a personal best record of 9.2 in the 100-meter outdoor dash at the Grambling Relays, and as a student-athlete, he competed internationally for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), representing the United States, and was also selected as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All American in indoor and outdoor Track and Field in 1971, and he participated and placed in world-renowned track and field events and venues such as the Texas Relays, Kansas Relays, Drake Relays, and the AAU national championships at Madison Square Garden; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sims received a master's degree in science and education from Jackson State University in 1975, and a second master's degree in counseling from Alcorn State University in 1989, and while fulfilling his coursework requirements at Jackson State, he served as a manager at International Telephone and Telegraph Cooperation, and in 1979, he returned to Alcorn and worked as the fixed asset manager for 35 years until retirement in 2014; and

WHEREAS, after more than 50 years, some of Mr. Sims' records still stand at Alcorn State University, and in 2008, he received recognition for his outstanding athletic career and was inducted into the Alcorn State University A-Club Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, as a successful businessman, in addition to his exceptional athletic achievements, Mr. Sims is the president, founder, and owner of Mr. Sparkles Maintenance Services, bringing three decades of successful business operations with him, providing contractual services for numerous Fortune 500 companies, and serving as a consultant for state and local agencies; and

WHEREAS, creating a legacy of positive impact for generations to come, Mr. Sims has demonstrated leadership in all aspects of his career, and his business has thrived because of superior customer service, and his ability to build connections with the community; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sims also served as the vice president of the Jefferson County Hospital Board, and has received numerous honors and awards, including the first Bill Pope Property Award in 2013, the Property Manager of the Year Award in 2013, and the 2001 Property Officer of the Year award from the Mississippi Association of Government Purchasing Property Agents (MAPGPPA); and

WHEREAS, dedicated to his alma mater, Mr. Sims remains a devout Alcornite and supporter of Alcorn State University, serving as a sponsor for the Alcorn State University Saturday STEM program; and

WHEREAS, outside of his athletic accomplishments and distinguished career in business, Mr. Sims is married to Mrs. Irma Sims, and they have one daughter, Yakeika Sims; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Mr. Sims, whose athletic excellence, hard work, and dauntless fortitude brings honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend Mr. Jerry Sims for his exceptional success in business and outstanding legacy in track and field at Alcorn State University.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Jerry Sims, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.