The pardon of James Simms. Lisa Y. Henderson 4 years ago Six years into a nine-year sentence for second-degree murder, James Simms received a pardon from Governor William W. Kitchin. Wilson Daily Times, 10 May 1910. Share this: Share on X (Opens in new window) X Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Print (Opens in new window) Print More Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr