Timothy Joel Sim, Jr., loving husband, father, brother, friend, mentor, coach, training partner, community leader, and hero, passed away at age 44 on April 16, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his beloved family.
Joel was born to Timothy Joel Sim and Cynthia May Bailey on January 18, 1980, at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. He graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington, and considered Vancouver his hometown thanks to his many fond memories there.
He married his wonderful wife, Melanie Thacker, on March 4, 2000, and the pair was sealed for time and all eternity in the Jordan River Temple on March 9, 2004. He was her perfect partner and challenge. Melanie considered him the beautiful and gentle foundation that taught her how to step and fight through any challenge.
Together they brought three remarkable children into the world, Morgan, Logan, and Jordan. His children thought of him as a stern, yet kind, goober who taught them how to be physically, mentally, and spiritually strong and how to laugh and have fun.
Joel was known in the professional world as the Director of Operations for Real Estate Administration at the University of Utah, but to the rest of the world, he was the Kilted Patriot, an accomplished member of the strength community who set multiple records.
Those who knew him describe him as the nicest, smartest, most compassionate, best example of what it means to be a good man. He was stoic and hard-working, intense, fierce and focused. He was a man of honor, courage, integrity, compassion, and generosity—a true titan of a man.
It goes without saying that he will be deeply missed.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 20, at 11:00 AM at the West Jordan Utah Oquirrh Stake Center, 5208 West Cyclamen Way, West Jordan, UT 84081. Viewings will take place at the same location on Friday, April 19, from 6:00-8:00 PM and on Saturday, April 20, from 10:00-10:45 AM. Interment will take place at West Jordan City Cemetery.
The service will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed by clicking the “Watch Services” button above.
Oh dear Melanie and kids, I'm so sorry for this untimely loss! May Joel's strength live in each of you through this and future challenging times.
Joel was someone I enjoyed working with. He was many things: polite, kind, resourceful, and effective, to name just a few of his qualities. I am greatly saddened by his passing. He will be missed.
Y'all don't know me, but my son, William Monroe has worked with Joel for years and the one time I met and interacted with him, he left a lasting positive impression. I know his loss will be felt by many. Be comforted by your memories of him and how fortunate you were to have him in your lives.
A good man…great to work with! So sad to see him leave earth early.
How do I find the words to tell you how much I feel the horrible pain you are going through I am so sorry for your loss
So incredibly sorry for the passing of Joel. He was truly a great man, a loving dad to Logan, and a supportive gym friend. He always encouraged me to 'take up space' and that is something I will never forget. Rest in power, Joel.
I’ve enjoyed working with Joel over the years. He will be missed on campus. Sending love and prayers to his family.
Joel is someone that I have worked with for over the years at Real Estate Admin. He was kind, respectfully and resourceful . His absence will be felt through out the University of Utah community.
Joel and I worked together for years in the security industry and I would run into him for years after in the gym world. We all have fun "Snapper" stories from the old days. A good man and reliable friend. We all trusted Joel to have our backs. I never met his wife or children but I know he loved them very much because he spoke of them always.
I have a friend named, Dino Simonetti, who competes with him in weight lifting. I had just went and saw his last competition this last Saturday. RIP Joel. Sending strength to your family during this most difficult time. May your family and friends' fond memories of you carry them through.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Joel. He was a great man who took pride in his work but remained humble. He sought to lift others and was always the first to offer a helping hand. He was a good friend and a great example of loyalty, diligence, kindness, and accountability. He was a good leader and a good friend.
Joel loved his family deeply and was always so proud of them. His face would light up when he spoke of their accomplishments.
I am so sorry to learn of his passing. He will be dearly missed.
Joel was a very dear friend of mine. I worked with him for many years at the University of Utah where we were both chief engineers. He was a wonderful human being and I will miss him dearly. Joel and I always got along very well and always had a good time, even when there were major issues with different properties and that is when we made our best decisions he’ll never admit it, but he knew I was smarter than him ha ha. Rest in peace, my friend I will miss you. Kyle Miller.
I had the opportunity to work with Joel quite closely over the last several years at the Williams Building in Research Park. He was always so pleasant, helpful, and easy to work with. When equipment went down, he worked tirelessly to get things back in order for the comfort of the tenants. I will always remember Joel’s kind nature and patient personality, and will remember him fondly.
My deepest sympathies. And my prayers for continual comfort and peace. With love, Cecile (Creek) Shumway
Joel, First and foremost Thank you and you will be missed!
Thank you for being an example to all! You left a legacy behind in your family, career, and life that will never be forgotten. I am so sorry I wasn’t able to attend the funeral in person. (Daughter’s birthday) I pray that your family will continue to feel your presence and support of those who loved you! We will see you again one day brother! Much love.
- Jason Sainsbury
As I awoke this morning I had many thoughts but where my mind focused was times spent with Joel. We had many crazy adventures "growing up". We spent alot of time together at our apartment and at work because we worked at the same place. We also spent time at the gym. Lots of fond memories with him. Sometimes I wish time and life didn't take us away from each other. It's crazy how quickly it goes. I briefly had a phone conversation with Melanie on Friday, it was good to talk after so many years away! I am sorry it is under these circumstances. I love you both very much! I am sorry I can't make it today! We will see each other soon in our perfect state. With love and prayers I send to family and friends.
Justin Morgan
very sorry to hear of this untimely loss. I hope the memory of such a good individual will stay with and comfort you and always be with you.
I worked in the Williams Building, and although I did not directly work with Joel, we worked in the same building. He was always kind and accommodating. I'm very sad to learn of his passing, and his presence will be missed. I'm sending up prayers for his lovely family.