Jerry Lee Sims, 77, of New London, Iowa, formerly of Burlington, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. He was born Oct. 22, 1948, in Galesburg, Ill., to Forrest Laverne Sr. and Dorothy Jane Lane Sims. He married Connie Baughman on July 20, 1968, in Galesburg, and she died Feb. 27, 2023.
Jerry graduated from Galesburg High School and started his career with Hi-Lo Grocers in Galesburg. In 1973, he went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad, where he retired in 2008. He was of the Christian faith and enjoyed traveling with his wife in their RV, camping, woodworking, genealogy, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; he especially loved making calendars for his family at Christmas.
Jerry is survived by daughters Julie (Ed) Earhart and Brenda (Bruce) Hunter, both of Burlington; six grandchildren, Breanna Purvis, Brittany Earhart, Lorraine Emde, Matthew Earhart, Zach Hunter, and Abby Hunter; seven great-grandchildren, Charli Connor, Alexis Emde, Finley Emde, Emma Purvis, Bowden Schier, C.J. Purvis, and one on the way, Ivy Lee Schramm. He was preceded in death by his wife, brother Forrest Jr., and sister Joyce Lufkin.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 17, at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family receiving friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and a graveside service immediately following at Burge Cemetery, rural New London. Pastor Shane McCampbell will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for family expenses. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.