It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Denim Simkins, a respected leader in the automotive industry, beloved family man, and cherished friend to many.
Denim, a longtime resident of Riverton, Utah, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind an enduring legacy of professional excellence, personal kindness, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. His loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, colleagues, and the larger Utah community.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Denim attended Olympus High School and later went on to study Business at the University of Utah. From early on, he demonstrated the ambition, work ethic, and leadership qualities that would define his career and life.
Denim’s path in the automotive industry was nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, he held key roles that earned him widespread respect and admiration from industry peers across the country.
Denim was the Owner of Direct Service Solutions, a company he founded to share his knowledge and passion for improving fixed operations in dealerships nationwide.
He also served as the Fixed Operations Director at Performance Automotive Network and Director of Fixed Operations at DrivingSales. Prior to these roles, he was the Service Manager at Ken Garff Nissan of Orem and Parts and Service Director at Henry Day Ford. In each of these positions, Denim led with a combination of innovation, integrity, and genuine care for the people he worked with.
Colleagues remember him as a forward-thinking leader, a mentor, and someone who was always generous with his time and insights. He had a remarkable ability to simplify complex problems, empower his teams, and build lasting relationships.
Denim was the kind of person who saw potential in others and helped them rise to meet it. His name became synonymous with quality, professionalism, and a deep understanding of what makes businesses thrive.
But beyond his professional accomplishments, Denim will be most remembered for the love and devotion he showed to his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Carma Simkins, with whom he shared a life full of laughter, partnership, and shared dreams.
Their bond was one of mutual respect and deep love—something that those around them couldn’t help but admire. Family was at the center of Denim’s world, and he worked tirelessly to provide, support, and create joyful memories for his loved ones.
Friends and family describe Denim as someone with an incredible heart. He had a natural warmth, a great sense of humor, and the ability to make others feel valued and seen.
Whether it was through a quiet conversation, a shared joke, or a gesture of help when it was most needed, Denim made an impact that extended far beyond the workplace.
His passion for cars was matched only by his love for people. Denim was an active member of the automotive community, often attending conferences, leading workshops, and mentoring the next generation of service leaders.
His influence stretched far and wide, and he leaves behind not only a body of work that helped shape the industry but also a network of people who were better because of him.
As news of Denim’s passing spreads, tributes continue to pour in from across the country. Colleagues and friends have taken to social media to share stories, express their gratitude, and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much.
His loss is a profound one, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. A memorial service is being planned to honor Denim’s life and contributions.
Details will be shared in the coming days, and the Simkins family welcomes all who knew and loved him to join in remembering and celebrating his extraordinary life.
In this time of sorrow, we remember Denim Simkins not only for all that he accomplished but for the kind of man he was—driven, compassionate, loving, and generous. His spirit will live on in his family, in the teams he built, and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace, Denim. Your legacy endures.
