On Thursday, Blount County Circuit Judge Gregory sentenced Jacob Chase Doyle to 25 years in prison for the 2017 crash that killed James Kenneth “Kenny” Sims and his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Sims. The sentencing was announced by District Attorney Pamela Casey, who emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the lasting pain it caused.
The fatal crash occurred as Kenny and Dot, both 72, were driving home from their regular Bible study. It was a routine they cherished — an evening spent in fellowship, prayer, and reflection — before heading back to their home together. That night, however, their journey was tragically cut short when Doyle, under the influence of alcohol, crossed into their lane and caused a violent collision.
According to court records, the impact was so severe that both Kenny and Dot died from their injuries at the scene. Investigators determined that Doyle’s blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit at the time of the crash. Prosecutors argued that his decision to drink and drive not only shattered one family but also left a permanent scar on the entire community.
“This was an entirely preventable tragedy,” District Attorney Casey said in a statement. “Kenny and Dot Sims were pillars of their church and community — two people who lived their lives in service to others. Their loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew them. The sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of taking two lives through reckless and impaired driving.”
Friends and family members of the Sims described them as inseparable partners who spent decades together building a life centered on faith, family, and helping those in need. Kenny, a retired tradesman, was known for his warm smile and willingness to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Dot, a nurturing soul with a gift for hospitality, was equally well-loved for her kindness and generosity.
During the sentencing hearing, relatives of the couple shared emotional testimonies about the void left in their lives. “We lost not just our parents, but our example of what a loving marriage should look like,” one family member said, her voice breaking. “Their absence is felt at every holiday, every Sunday dinner, every time we walk into church and see their empty seats.”
The judge’s 25-year sentence was met with mixed emotions — relief that justice had been served, but deep sadness that no amount of prison time could bring Kenny and Dot back. Doyle will serve his sentence in the Alabama Department of Corrections, with the possibility of parole only after a significant portion of the term has been served.
As the community continues to heal, friends and loved ones say they will honor the Sims’ memory by living as the couple did — with compassion, kindness, and unwavering faith. Their church plans to hold a special memorial service later this month, ensuring that Kenny and Dot’s legacy of love and service will never be forgotten.
In the words of one longtime friend, “They lived for others, not themselves. The best way we can remember them is to do the same.”
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