Natchez laid to rest a friend and a true American hero this week with the burial of Robert P. “Bob” Mims.

The 96-year-old lived an incredibly long and rich life, more than half of which was spent in Natchez where he was a jeweler of great renown, even having a piece in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

But Mims was most famously known for her heroism during World War II. He was a bomber fighter who successfully flew 26 combat missions in his B-26 Marauder bomber. On the last mission, his plane was shot down over Northern France.

Mims was captured by the Germans and kept in a prisoner of war camp.

He graciously recounted his war stories for anyone who sought to talk with him about him.

Men such as Robert Mims are rare.

He epitomized what Tom Brokaw dubbed as America’s “Greatest Generation.”

He was successful in the military, successful in business and successful in friendship. For many of his customers, Mr. Mims simply was very nice, helpful man who created, repaired and cleaned generations of jewelry in Natchez and he always had a smile on his face.

For those who knew him, Mr. Mims’ smile and his great wartime service to the country will long be appreciated and remembered.

We join many, many Natchez residents, friends and family in mourning Mr. Mims.