ROGER BERNARD “RAMJET” SIMS

Roger B. Sims passed away in his sleep on Monday, February 2, in Everett, Washington, at the age of 65. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. Roger completed three years as an undergraduate at Howard University, majoring in electrical engineering. In 1958 he enrolled in the Aviation Cadet program. However, before completing pilot training, he received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Standing over 6' 6” tall no one knows how he got past the Air Force height limitation of the time.

Roger was distinguished as one of the first three Black graduates of the USAFA in 1963. His fellow Black classmates were Mr. Charles Vernon Bush of Los Angeles, California, and Colonel (Ret.) Isaac Payne, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon graduation from the Academy, Roger focused on his first love, flying. He completed pilot training at Laredo AFB. He was then assigned to Military Airlift Command (MAC) flying his favorite aircraft, the Douglas C124 Globemaster II. During the 1960s, Roger was a pilot assigned to Special Operations at Hickam AFB in Honolulu, Hawaii, and flew missions throughout the Pacific Area and Far East, including Vietnam.

Upon completion of his Air Force service in 1969, Roger entered the Columbia School of Journalism. He was subsequently hired by CBS. There he was Associate Producer of the Walter Cronkite Evening News. During his media career, he served with all three major networks. He was Orange County California Bureau Chief for KNBC. He also produced most of the Charles Kuralt Specials for CBS. After a productive and profitable career with CBS, he retired in 1991.

Among the many friends who mourn Roger’s passing are Dr. John W. Edwards and wife Ella; Mr. Wilmer Miller and wife Martha, Mr. Rodney Miller of Honolulu; Hawaii; Mr. Lou Montague of Portland, Oregon; Colonel (Ret.) William Walker and wife Billye of Washington D. C.; Colonel (Ret.) William Lyght and wife Brenda of Savannah, Georgia; Mr. Kelly Barlean of Colorado; Mr. Charles Vernon Bush of Los Angeles, California; Colonel (Ret.) Isaac Payne of Albuquerque, New Mexico and former CBS associates, Mr. Robert Lipsyte and Mr. Peter M. Sturtevant of New York, New York.

Per Roger’s request, his ashes will be scattered in Hawaiian waters, privately. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association.