Captain Nims was a member of the 30th Weather Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On 21 October 1951, he was the radar observer of a F7F-3N Tigercat fighter from Marine Night Fighter Squadron 513, Marine Air Group 12. While on a reconnaissance mission near Singosan, Korea, the aircraft's engine caught fire and the crew bailed out. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on 31 December 1953. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

For his leadership and valor, Captain Nims was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, the Commendation Ribbon, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.