Ruben Lewis Sims, Jr.

Ruben Lewis Sims was born to Vivian Fae and the late Ruben Lewis Sims Sr. in Denver, Colorado. He attended Columbine Elementary School, Smiley Junior High School, and graduated from Manual High School all in Denver. Ruben had a great love of music beginning at a young age. His first instruments were the clarinet and piano, which he began to play in the fifth grade. Ruben rapidly moved from beginner to first chair with the clarinet, and at eleven years old joined the Junior Police Band. Within two years, Ruben advanced to the Inaugural Band, the highest of all Junior Police Bands. Ruben continued with his music through college while attending Berkley School of Music and Colorado University. September 13, 1971 Ruben joined the United States Army. While in the army, Ruben wrote music for the Norad Band. Ruben took first place, with National Honors in a competition for composing songs and writing parts for each instrument in the Norad Band. He was Honorably Discharged from the army January 10, 1975 as an E5, with a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. On February 18, 1978 Ruben wed Lawana Trowell. Ruben and Lawana have three sons, Chauncey Eugene (wife Yessika), Shelley Jabar, and Jamey Ruben Sims. He was a loving husband and father who adored his family, attending all his sons sports activities. He was an avid tennis player who taught his sons how to play the game. He was devoted to Lawana, and one of his favorite things was to surprise her by bringing her flowers constantly just to make her smile with joy. In 1977, Ruben joined the Aurora Fire Department. He was the first African American hired as a firefighter in the City of Aurora, Colorado. Ruben advanced to Engineer, the position he kept until he retired in 1997. Ruben was instrumental in creating programs to recruit women and other minorities. Every year for the annual Juneteenth Parade and the Black Arts Festival, Ruben drove a fire truck to represent for the African American community. All the little children in his neighborhood who wanted to ride on the truck were allowed to, to inspire them and show the possibilities for their future dreams. In August of 2003, Ruben discovered he had cancer. He had lost touch with his personal relationship with God, and was at a very low point in his life. In September or there abouts, Reverend George Ward came into his life. Reverend Ward reintroduced Ruben to God thru prayer and inspiration, taking him by the hand to church. Reverend Ward was to become Ruben's best friend. Eventually, Ruben found his way to Mount Gillead Baptist Church which he joined and Lawana followed shortly after. He began to play in the church band, and his love of God filled his spirit as his life's journey came to an end. Ruben's faith was strong, and he was certain Heaven awaited him. Ruben took care of his 92 year old mother throughout his illness with tender loving care, and is survived by his two sisters, Sherry Lewis and Linda Mudd. One of Ruben's joys just before he became to ill to do so was babysitting his son Jamey's twin daughter's and little son. He loved the sound of their laughter and was even potty training the little toddlers. Ruben is survived by eight grandchildren, (Chauncey) Chauncey Jr., Chelsey, (Shelley) Anthony, Shelley Jr., Nia, (Jamey) Jamey Jr., Areon, Aveon, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ruben will be missed by everyone whose life he touched and remembered with love and gratitude by those who loved him'