Lance Cpl John. Sims, USMC
Associated Press --
Hands over their hearts, people stood outside homes and businesses as the funeral procession passed for a hometown Marine killed in fighting in Iraq.
Lance Cpl. John "J.T." Sims Jr., 21, of Alexander City died April 10 from hostile fire in the Al Anbar province. More than 500 people attended his memorial service Monday.
Sims was among three high school buddies who joined the Marine Corps on the same day in 2001. A few months later, when terrorists struck on Sept. 11, Sims was ready to fight, said Cpl. Stephen Barrett.
"J.T. was very tough," said Barrett, one of the three who joined that day. "He was just 5-foot-3, but he thought he was 7-5. After the attacks he was ready to go."
A 2001 graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, Sims was remembered as a practical joker who wrestled and made good grades. He worked at a fast-food restaurant before entering the service.
Sims was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
As the procession passed on the way to the cemetery, some stood along the road watching with their hand over their heart. Some, including schoolchildren, held American flags.
"Seeing the people outside of their homes and businesses with their families and some with flags, just proves what a great town we have," said Rep. Betty Carol Graham D-Alexander City, who tried to hold back tears. "I was very proud of this town."
A fire truck used its ladder to unfurl a huge American flag at the entrance to the cemetery.
Sims was survived by his mother, Margaret Peppers Kellum, and her husband, Jerry Kellum of Alexander City; his father, John Thomas Sims Sr. of Millbrook; two sisters, a half-brother and half-sister and three stepsisters.
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