Robert Mims WW II Hero By Devonte Demby NATCHEZ, MS - In every community there are people who make it a better place. Some are teachers, some are officers, and some may just be your day to day ordinary citizen with the hope to make a change in our area. These are our Unsung Heroes. This week we are featuring World War II Veteran Robert Mims of Robert Mims and Sons Jewelers. Most people who make 92 years old want nothing more but to rest and enjoy a happy retirement, but World War II Veteran, Robert Mims, spends his time working. What started off as a hobby after an accident that granted him an honorable discharge, now has become his reality and dream. Mims has a deep love for making beautiful pieces of jewelry at his store Robert Mims and Sons Jewelers and has been doing so since 1949. He has shown that even at age 92, he is healthy as a horse and can put his bones to work just about everyday using different types of tools to make jewelry. Mims started out at military school on the gulf coast and trained at barksdale field in Shreveport, Louisiana. In WWII, he served his country by flying Martin B 26 Marauders were he would be shot down over France and held as a Prisoner of War (POW) for a year and a half by German soldiers. After the war, Mims became a test pilot with Chuck Yeager. He would then get in a motorcycle accident when a group of women ran a stop sign and hit him while he was on his bike. Mims knee was crushed and he had to wear a brace on his leg until he could mend. After recuperating, he was honorably discharged with 5 years of service. It was at this point in his life, someone approached him and recommended he make jewelry. “All he knew was flying until someone suggested he become a jeweler,” said Mim’s daughter, Ginger Mims. Mims decided to go to Bradford University to learn how to make jewelry, and has been making jewelry now since 1949. In 1965, Mims started his own Jewelry store Robert Mims and Sons Jewelers. Mims described the process of creating jewelry the original way. “I call it making jewelry the way they used to,” Mims said with laughter. During World War II, Mims, along with his team, flew to England and joined the 9th air force where they were the first to complete 25 out of 26 missions. In a legendary tale, Mim’s engine was shot out during his 26th mission where he and his crew were forced to crash-land. They were then captured by German soldiers and held for a year and a half until the Russians came through. Mims made his escape by joining with the Russians. He would later receive a French medal called the Legion of Honor. Its is the third highest French medal, and the highest honor the French can give to a non-Frenchman. Mims has a strong passion for veterans, being a veteran himself. Once a year he goes to an air force Navigator School in Florida to congratulate and talk with young soldiers. Recently, Mims was the Grand Marshall of the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9, 2013. He also attended the flag burning ceremony held at the Natchez Convention Center earlier that day. “It was nice, I really enjoyed it,” said Mims. “It was a big weekend for me, felt like a coming home celebration. “That was really one of the best days of my life.” Mims is in the process of being interviewed by Mark LaFrancis, who has obtained a grant to video stories on WWII Veterans. For three hours, Mims shared some of his most deepest memories and will continue to do so this Sunday when they meet for part two of the interview. If you know someone you would like to submit as an unsung hero please send information to info@listenupyall with their name, number, and describing what makes them an unsung hero.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 17:00:51 +0000
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